For those who do not have children — whether young or not so young — with special needs, it’s likely easy to forget just how challenging being such a parent could, at times, be. It’s a vocation, really. It doesn’t ever allow for extended breaks. It is, without question, a 24-hour-a-day, 7-days-a-week, year-round reality.
Just think of that for a moment.
If you’re a parent of a special-needs child, when do you have time for yourself? When do you have a chance to take a break? When does your child get to enjoy life without you there?
Truth is, there is something
that has long existed that allows special-needs children and their parents, for at least a week a year, right here in New Jersey, to get that respite. It’s known as the Elks’ Camp Moore in Haskell (in the Ramapo Mountains of New Jersey.)
The camp is self-described like this.
“A week at Elks’ Camp Moore is a remarkable experience not soon to be forgotten. The primary goal of the camp is to further develop the recreational and social skills of each child. In a relaxed and accepting atmosphere, each camper experiences new adventures, lasting friendships and opportunities that
promote independence and greater self-confidence.
“We believe that like all children, children with
special needs flourish when provided with new experiences, new friends and activities that will aid them in their
general growth. Camp allows these experiences in a new
See MOORE, Page 19
Contributed photo
Camper Joey is seen here with one of his counselors at a previous iteration of Camp Moore
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McCann Stamato: Let’s
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
National Pet Wellness Month, observed every October, aims to promote awareness of pet health and well-being, with the American Veterinary Medical Association encouraging year-round focus on caring for our pets. As part of this initiative, Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato, D-31, is urging New Jersey to eliminate the sales tax on pet medications. Currently, medications prescribed by veterinarians to treat pets are subject to sales tax, while the same medications are exempt when sold for human use. To address this, McCann Stamato has introduced legislation (A2212) to exempt pet medications from the sales tax, reducing costs for pet owners across the state.
“For many people who own pets, those pets are an integral part of their family, and taking care of their health is just as important as caring for the rest of their family. However, pet healthcare can be costly. With pet medica-
McCann Stamato
tions subject to New Jersey’s sales tax, it becomes even more expensive for families to provide the necessary care for their animals,” McCann Stamato said. “I am proud to introduce this legislation, alongside Assemblyman William B. Sampson IV to repeal the sales tax on pet medications and make pet ownership and healthcare more affordable for New Jersey families.”
This initiative, in alignment with National Pet Wellness Month, highlights the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare for pets and encourages residents to support legislation that helps families better care for their beloved companions.
NEWS BRIEFS
UNICO hosting food drive
The Kearny chapter of UNICO hosts a food drive Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the American Legion parking lot. All donations will be sent to the Kearny Food Pantry.
Girl Scouts, American Legion collecting socks for veterans Kearny Girl Scouts and American Legion Auxiliary
Post 99 are collecting socks throughout November for veterans.
Donations are being accepted at four locations starting Nov. 1 — American Legion Post 99, 314 Belgrove Drive; the Girl Scout House, 635 Kearny Ave.; Cathy's Hair Fashion Center, 828 Kearny Ave.; and Gina’s Hair Design, 262 Kearny Ave.
That’s one smart, creative ‘Minion’
Photo by Kevin A. Canessa Jr.
Well, when Marybeth Kennedy heard she might be a ‘minion,’ she said why not? Here’s the result — one of the more creative Halloween costumes of 2024. Kennedy is with her daughter, ‘nurse’ Faith, at the Pawrade celebration on Oct. 26, 2024.
OLMC hosting family movie night next month
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church continues its monthly, faith-based, family movie night series, “Saturday Night at the Movies: Reel Love’” at its Parish Hall, 146 Copeland Ave., Lyndhurst on Sat. Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m., with a screening of “Cabrini,” which depicts the life of Catholic missionary Francesca Cabrini, portrayed by Chistiana
Dell’Anna, as she encounters resistance to her charity and business efforts in New York City in the late 19th century.
The Rev. Ernie Rush, pastor, will moderate a Q&A discussion after the film. Pizza, homemade meatball sandwiches and beverages will be available for purchase. Free popcorn. Free admission.
Empathy — the ability to see something and feel from another person’s viewpoint, seems to be in short supply in 2024. Administrators in Harrison countered this issue with this year’s annual Week of Respect theme: Walk a Mile in My Shoes, designed to enlighten students about the importance of understanding other perspectives.
Some 450+ students at Washington Middle School (WMS) underscored the theme with a kinetic milestone, walking a literal mile around their school — that’s five trips — around the block for those keeping score. Fortunately, the weather was in full cooperation and students enjoyed the experience, as did their teachers, who came to school decked in their best walking gear.
“I liked the walk. Everyone got something different from it and was happy and proud
seventh-grader Rojan Bohara said.
“Physical activity has a huge potential to enhance our well-being, so having our entire student body out for a walk was a beautiful thing to see. The sun didn’t just shine for the trees and flowers that day, it shined for us all,” Mayra Rivas-Flores, longtime social worker at WMS, said.
Said school counselor Michelle Lopes: “Having the whole school participate in the walk was one of the best parts of the Week of Respect. The students and staff were excited and cheered each other on. It was really a meaningful experience for the students.”
In photo: Students at Washington Middle School in Harrison got their exercise in — and learned a valuable life lesson: empathy, as part of their participation in ‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes,’ a district-wide celebration of the Week of Respect.
of themselves at the end,”
Story & photo by Laura Comppen Special to The Observer
Kearny HS Performing Arts Department completes remarkable stretch
The KHS Performing Arts Department has done some great things recently. And since Kathleen Astrella, who leads the department, let us know, we’ll let you now know.
KHS Marching & Concert Band
n Congratulations to the Kearny High School Marching Band. It placed first in the Butler High School Tournament of Bands Oct. 13 with a score of 86.04. The band also took first for best music and best visuals, winning three top awards. It was a great day for the marching band. Congrats to the staff and students for working so hard to make this happen.
n The staff, David Caravella, Danny Conde, Sanjay Pamaar, Emily Chen and Jamie Diaz, thank you for the long hours and dedication you selflessly give KHS!
n Special shoutout to the Band Parent Association. They were there in full force
POLICE BEAT
to cheer the band on and feed the staff and students before and after the competition. Special thanks to John Fearon for loading the equipment onto the band trailer and getting the instruments where they need to be.
n Congratulations to Mr. Caravella, Mr. Conde, Mr. Pamaar, Ms. Chen, Mr. Diaz and the students of the KHS Marching Band. Recently, the KHS band became the Regional Champions at the Tournament of Bands Competition. The KHS Marching Band placed first in its division with a 89.7 score, first in visual and first in music, a clean sweep. The last time this award was bestowed upon the KHS Marching Band in the TOB was in 1985. What a dedicated group — their hard work and dedication definitely paid off.
n Four KHS Concert band students, Allany Quinones,
Ramirez and Sarah Fonseca were accepted in the College of New Jersey’s Honors Wind Ensemble.
More than 50 high schools will participate in the concert. They will perform Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. at TCNJ. Admission is free. Please come out and support our amazing students.
The K-Birds
n The Kearny High School K-Birds recently delivered a powerful performance of the
National Anthem at the Town Hall “Hometown Heroes” dedication ceremony, paying tribute to local veterans on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 (seen in photo). In a proud moment for our school, vocal music director Gonzalez, accompanist Ms. Crispo and the K-Birds were recognized with citations from the New Jersey State Senate and General Assembly for their exceptional musical contributions to Kearny’s Inaugural Hispanic
Heritage Month Celebration. This honor highlights their dedication to both music and community.
n Gonzalez and the K-Birds were informed by NBC the K-Birds have made the Top 10 of the NBC 4/Telemundo Star Choir Holiday Singing Competition and will compete in the second round. This is an incredible and unprecedented achievement for the choir. Congratulations and good luck.
Mario Valles Monzombite, Rossy
By Kathleen Astrella with Kevin A. Canessa Jr.
Town of Kearny photo
OPINION & VIEWPOINTS
COMMENT
WBy Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
ell we’re finally here. After months upon months of rhetoric, the next time The Observer is published after this edition, Election Day will have come and gone, though it’s anyone’s guess as to whether we’ll know who the next President of the United States will be.
Locally, the ballot is full. At the top, it’s the race for the White House.
Then, the voters will decide who will become the next senator, ending years of rule by the disgraced Robert Menendez.
All seats in the House of Representatives are up — and in the 9th Congressional District, someone not Bill Pascrell Jr. will represent a good chunk of our readership area.
In Kearny, there is a rare Town Council race in a presidential election year where Fred Esteves, a Democrat, faces Jorge D. Santos, a Republican, to fill the one year left on the term created
Lisa
In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti 1942-2016
M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir.
when Carol Jean Doyle became the town’s mayor a year ago.
And though they are running unopposed, there are also three very strong candidates seeking re-election to Kearny’s Board of Education in Addie Boyd, Cecilia Lindenfelser and John Carey. None has taken for granted having no competition.
There is also a Borough Council election in North Arlington, where two extremely strong Republican candidates face a challenge from Democrats.
No matter where you stand on the issues, the candidates, the races, there’s one thing that is certain: The stakes in 2024 are immense. Some have even called this the most consequential election of many of our lifetimes.
So what’s this all about? Simply put, don’t sit this one out. If you’re unable to make it on Election Day, vote early.
Do your part to ensure democracy survives. We can ill-afford not to.
Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising
Robert
P. Pezzolla gm@theobserver.com General Manager
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
LaClair: Canessa’s use of word ‘arrogance’ was inappropriate
To the Editor: Kevin Canessa’s characterization of Renato da Silva’s write-in candidacy as a sign of “arrogance” is uncalled for. That language is beneath the dignity of a newspaper that strives to be factual and objective.
More and more, my friend Mr. Canessa - we have known each other for many years - has become intemperate in his language and manner of expression. Agree or disagree with candidates as your conscience may lead you to do, but please restore a measure of fairness and dignity to Kearny’s only
newspaper.
My concern about recent political developments in town has been and is that our town is being divided, in unhealthy ways. The intemperate language in this instance contributes to that.
Political candidates have the right to mount write-in campaigns after losing a primary election. United States Senator Lisa Murkowski did that, and won. Conducting a write-in campaign for public office may be wise or unwise but it is not arrogant.
Paul L. LaClair Kearny
THE OBSERVER’S LETTER POLICY
The Observer accepts letters from readers on topics relevant to our readership area. They should be no more than 250 words and all letters must be signed with a phone number for verification purposes. Anonymous letters will not be published under any circumstances. On occasion, The Observer accepts letters more than 250 words as op-eds — they are judged for publication on an individual basis. Opinion pieces are published based on space availability. We do not guarantee the publishing of any letter or oped. All letters should be submitted to editorial@theobserver.com.
n Classifieds: 3 p.m., Monday
n Obituaries: 10 a.m., Monday
n Display/Real Estate: noon, Thursday
n Help Wanted: Noon, Monday — all ads must be sent to classified@theobserver.com.
Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com Editor/Broadcaster
arly voting in New Jersey is underway and runs through Nov. 3. Hudson County has 27 early in-person voting locations.
Kearny Town Hall, 402 Kearny Ave., is the only West Hudson early voting location. (See flier at www.theobserver. com for additional locations.)
There are no early voting locations in Belleville, Nutley, North Arlington or Lyndhurst, according to the Bergen and
Essex county clerk/election websites. The closest are at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Newark and at the Watsessing Park Community Center, Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield.
Registered Hudson County Voters may vote at any countywide location during this period.
Voting hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hudson County officials
say early in-person voting is a good option for those who will be out of town on Election Day, or unable to get to their home polling location before the polls close on Nov. 5. It’s also a good option for those who wish to avoid waiting on long lines on election day.
An alternative early voting option, especially for those with limited mobility, is to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot. Hudson County voters may apply for a one at the Hudson
Kearny Board of Education Candidates
County Clerk’s Office. The deadline to apply for a voteby-mail ballot is Oct. 29, 2024.
After completing a mail ballot, return it one of three ways, mail it back, place it in one of the county’s secure ballot dropboxes or return it to the Hudson County Board of Elections Office. If you choose to mail your ballot, it must be postmarked on or before 8 p.m., Nov. 5, Election Day. All Hudson County Elections Offices are located at County
Plaza, 257 Cornielison Ave., 4th Floor, Jersey City, N.J. 07302.
The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Voters who wish to vote on Election Day, may do so at their home polling location. Voters may find their Election Day polling location and other important election information and deadlines by visiting the Official New Jersey Division of Elections Voter Information Portal at vote.nj.gov.
Friday, Oct. 25, was a special day for the seniors at the Henrietta Benstead Senior Center. First, there was a grand Halloween celebration, where many of the seniors were decked out in Halloween attire, including this attendee at the right. Then, those assembled celebrated Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle’s birthday with a special cake. The mayor, in the photo on the left, is seen here with Teddie Jablonski, a longtime director of the senior center.
Photos by Kevin A. Canessa Jr.
SPORTS & HEALTH
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
There may come a time when the Kearny boys and girls soccer teams will look more fondly about getting to play at Red Bull Arena and being treated just like professional teams before and after the match.
And by the time this issue runs to print, the focus will almost assuredly have shifted towards the goals that still await with the state tournament that starts next week.
However, those were the last things on their mind as they left Red Bull Arena on Thursday night. Visions of winning county championships at the state’s biggest soccer venue had been dashed just moments earlier.
Instead of celebrating in front of the crowd of more than 2,000 people, there were no celebrations in Kearny as both the boys and girls teams were denied in the Hudson County Tournament finals.
First, the girls saw their 15year reign as county champions end with a 3-1 loss to Bayonne. Then, the boys were denied their third title in four years as rival St. Peter’s Prep rallied for a 3-1 victory over the Kardinals.
“There’s not a kid in the world right now in that locker room that wants to hear any of that (other stuff),” Kearny boys head coach Scott Millar said on Thursday night. “The reality right now is that, yeah, this a great moment to come down here, but at the end of the day, we’re going home disappointed.. We’re going home disappointed because we know that we were good enough to win tonight.”
Millar’s group started off fast when Jeckson Rivera took
HEARTBREAKING LOSSES
a one-touch from Gabe Gomez inside the box and fired a shot past St. Peter’s Prep keeper Anthony Novello gave the Kardinals a 1-0 lead just 4:11 into the game.
The lead lasted through the first half, but St. Peter’s Prep came out of the intermission and scored three unanswered goals. Anthony Bautista scored the tying goal in the 47th minute off a turnover, then proceeded to deliver the game-winner in the 54th minute for the Marauders.
“I think we were pretty comfortable at halftime (despite being down 1-0),” St. Peter’s Prep head coach Josh Jantas said. “We said to each other, ‘Hey, we need to score if we’re going to win this game anyway.’ So we’re like, well, let’s get one and kind of see where it goes from there.”
Christian Pereira Velazquez
pushed the lead to 3-1 in the 69th minute and Novello slammed the door shut on the Kardinals late. The junior keeper stopped a Kearny penalty kick in the 73rd minute, then in the 75th minute made a pair of saves as part of an offensive flurry that the Kardinals were unable to score on.
“All you can ask is for the boys to put themselves into a position to come back,” said Millar. “At the end of the day, we got a disappointed group because we didn’t take advantage of our chances and they did. As cruel as it can be, sometimes that’s the game.”
A couple hours earlier, one of the area’s great streaks came to an end when the Kearny girls were on the receiving end of a sudden one-two strike.
Bayonne’s Kylie Galano broke a scoreless tie with a goal in the 14th minute. Then,
just 54 seconds later, Galano sent an over the top pass to Jenna Gaetani, giving the Bees a 2-0 lead.
For many years during this one-sided rivalry, it was Kearny, who would strike early to seize the lead and all momentum.
“It was awesome. It really took our emotions even higher,” Bayonne head coach Victor Pesantez said. “You never want to go into the half with a 2-0 lead, but we came out and played hard. Kearny made some switches and we scored another goal on them.”
Galano added an insurance goal in the 54th minute for the Bees.
Kearny got on the scoreboard in the 78th minute with a goal by Keala Cicchino, her seventh of the Hudson County Tournament, but it proved too little, too late to stop Bayonne
from celebrating an elusive county crown.
During the Kardinals’ streak of 14 consecutive Hudson County Tournament titles, 11 of them were over Bayonne in the final. It is believed to be Bayonne’s first win over Kearny since 1991.
“Kearny’s always been our rivals in the county,” said Pesantez. “With our independent schedule, we matched up to play some better teams to match up to (Kearny’s) competition.”
Both Kearny teams have one last game currently scheduled before the state tournament, which begins on Nov. 4 as the boys hosted Dickinson on Oct. 28 and the girls on Wednesday, welcome a Waldwick team coached by Kardinals legend and former head coach Stefanee Kivlehan.
Nutley’s Meya Ranges takes third in Essex County Cross County Championships
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
Meya Ranges didn’t fully know what to expect nor did she have any goals for her first year of running cross country.
After Friday’s Essex County Championships, it’s fair to say the Nutley junior has exceeded all expectations.
Ranges ran a personal best 19:41.90 as she left Cedar Grove Park with a third place finish out of 110 runners. The third place finish was the highest by a Nutley girl since Ellie McCreesh in 2015.
“I honestly did not know what to expect,” said Ranges about her first fall of running
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cross country instead of playing soccer. “I trained a lot over the summer to get ready for the season, so I knew I wanted to do good. But I honestly did not know what the season was going to look like because I’ve never ran a 5K before in my life.”
Ranges was not a true newcomer to running, specializing in the 1,600 and 3,200 Meter Runs during the Indoor and Outdoor Track seasons.
With a goal of running in college, Ranges knew she’d have to make the difficult decision to run cross country this fall instead of playing soccer like she has since was a young girl.
“After spring track my times dropped tremendously and
I realized that if I wanted to become a better track runner, cross country would be a good fit for me,” said Ranges, who in May’s Essex County Outdoor Track Championships took fourth in the 3,200 and seventh in the 1,600. “It was not an easy decision because all my good friends played soccer, but I knew doing cross country was the best decision for me.”
“She was a standout in track the last two years, so I figured she would catch on pretty easily,” Nutley cross country coach Kara McNish said.”But to kind of acclimate as well as she has, and she just keeps pushing herself to the next level. It’s pretty amazing to see.”
After some early struggles with pacing herself, Ranges felt she started to feel more comfortable with running three
Meya Ranges
miles on a trail rather than four laps on a flat track.
“The first couple of races, I honestly did not run my best,” Ranges said. “Coach McNish told me you just need to calm down and focus, and you could do amazing things in the sport. Don’t let this being your first year get in your head and stop you from performing at your best.”
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Ranges, who ran a 21:01.07 in her first meet on Sept. 17, broke 20 minutes for the first time at the Essex County Track Coaches Invitational on Oct. 19 when she ran a 19:44.90.
“Once she kind of got more comfortable, we spoke about moving towards that goal of breaking 20 minutes and she crushed it last week,” siad McNish. “Then she cut off a few more seconds on Friday and she wasn’t even really feeling that good. That was super impressive.”
Said Ranges, “I really tried to calm myself down and tell myself that I know that this is my first year and I played soccer all my life, that I could become a successful cross country runner.”
Now that potential has become a reality.
Morinho makes last home game one to remember
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
The realization that Friday’s Senior Night was almost certainly going to be the last ever home game made it an emotional night for Lyndhurst’s seniors. But Roddy Morinho, the emotions were perhaps a little stronger.
For more than three decades Lyndhurst has often had Morinho in a prominent role, including Roddy’s father, also named Roddy. But for the younger Morinho, Friday had the realization that it would not only be his last high school game at Joe Cipolla Field, but the last (at least for the foreseeable future) of the entire Morinho family.
“As of right now, I’m the last
Morinho to play football. I don’t think there’s anybody after me so I don’t want my season to end at all,” Morinho said. “The Morinho name has been here for 30 years and I don’t want it to go away so quickly. I want to leave my stamp on this program. Not just me, my father, my uncle. I want the Morinho name to be remembered.”
In Roddy Morinho’s last home game, he delivered a performance that won’t soon be forgotten
At linebacker, Morinho was an unstoppable force, recording 15 tackles, including five for a loss, with a sack. At running back, he ran for 101 yards and three touchdowns
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on just 14 carries as Lyndhurst rolled to its seventh consecutive win, a 35-6 dismantling of Park Ridge.
For added measure, Morinho further cemented his place among the best running backs in Lyndhurst history as he eclipsed the 2,000 yard and 30 touchdown marks for his career. It’s numbers that put him in select company with those like his uncle Ray, Petey Guerrero and Piotr Partyla among others.
Morinho’s all-around performance makes him
The Observer Athlete of the
Week.
“Roddy was fired up and he looked really awesome. He was a possessed man,” head coach Rich Tuero said. “He took it to heart that it was his last game on that field. There’s definitely a bloodline there for that family and (Lyndhurst football). So yeah, it definitely was a little extra for him that game.”
Morinho, who recently made a verbal commitment to continue his career at Norwich University in Vermont, concludes the regular season with 69 tackles
See ATHLETE, Page 14
Dr. Prakash J. Doshi
Dr. Hector Aguilar
File photo
Roddy Morinho
Lyndhurst, Nutley prep for state playoffs
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
Most years the Lyndhurst and Ramsey football teams cross paths, usually during the summer heat of a preseason scrimmage. This year, after taking a rare break with the annual scrimmage, the Golden Bears will square off once again, but this time with a November chill in the air.
The NJSIAA officially released the brackets for the state football public school tournaments on Sunday. Two Observer-area teamsLyndhurst and Nutley have qualified.
Lyndhurst, the sixth-
seed in North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2, travels to third-seeded Ramsey. Nutley, the eighth-seed in North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4, goes to play top-seeded Phillipsburg. Both games are set for Friday.
“I know Bear (Ramsey coach Adam Baeira) well. I’ve never played them (in the regular season), but we usually scrimmage them every year,” Lyndhurst head coach Rich Tuero said. “This year, we just happened not to.”
Tuero’s Golden Bears enter the postseason with incredible momentum, winning seven-straight games, all decided by 25 or more points.
The last two of those games, the most impressive of the run as Lyndhurst defeated Pompton Lakes 31-6 and Park Ridge 35-6.
Despite the gaudy record and lopsided victories, Lyndhurst is once again going on the road in a deep North, Group 2 section, which only adds more motivation.
“We feel really good about it. We’re excited about the opportunity to go up there and play for the upset,” said Tuero. “We’ve been here before and we’re okay with it.”
While some might view Lyndhurst as an underdog on Friday, no one outside of the Maroon Raiders’ locker
room will be giving Nutley a chance when it goes to Phillipsburg to face a Stateliners team that is 7-1 and historically one of the state’s great public school programs.
It’s a role that fits Nutley coach Chris Helm just fine.
“There’s a lot of really good movies based on that theme,” Helm said. “I think if the kids understand and they go play loose, that’s usually when upsets happen. There’s no pressure on us whatsoever.”
Nutley doesn’t enter with a ton of momentum, falling to 4-5 after losses to Caldwell and Passaic Valley. But after missing the playoffs last year and with several sophomores
and juniors in prominent roles this season. Helm knows the experience of this game will prove valuable regardless of outcome
“It’s a great opportunity, when you’re in a game like this, to just kind of absorb the moment and take on how big it is and do it with no pressure,” said Helm, calling Phillipsburg’s Maloney Stadium the closest thing in New Jersey to Texas high school football. “It’s a great experience for us as a program.”
Seeds and matchups for the NJSIAA state tournaments in boys soccer and girls soccer and volleyball will be announced later this week.
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
OBITUARIES
Demetrios Korkovelos
Demetrios (Jimmy) Korkovelos left us on Oct. 23, 2024, at the age of 89. He died peacefully at home with family. Funeral arrangements are by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny. Funeral service will begin at 10 a.m.. Wednesday, Oct. 30, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union and burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington. Born in Mesea Kapsi, a small village in Fthiotidos, Greece, he was the eldest of six sons. He met and married Melpomeni in 1960, and soon welcomed their first child Artemisia the following year. In 1975, they welcomed their second child, Dina Lena.
In October 1967, he emigrated to Irvington, NJ where he went to work as a carpenter, continuing in that trade. After several years, he sought to be his own boss and like many Greeks went into the food truck business. He opened Jimmy’s Snack Bar in NJDMV in Newark and Irvington. Later he expanded his business to Port Newark, at the corner of Port Street and Doremus Avenue. His bacon, egg and cheese on a roll sandwiches and coffee, as well as California burgers, were a daily requirement for long-shoreman, new car carriers and oil delivery drivers. Eventually, he was assigned his his own utility line to guarantee his daily presence.
He prided himself in providing the best fresh food and coldest drinks in the sweltering summers to his loyal customers for two decades. He retired in 1995 from the food truck business and headed to Lamia, Greece, where he became a general contractor and built his 3-family house. He earned the title “mastora,” from family
because had a knack for fixing anything and everything.
He and Melpomeni planted a vegetable garden, grapes, peaches and cherry trees in every square inch of their yard in Kearny, because they enjoyed home-grown vegetables and fruit and shared with family, friends and neighbors.
He was a loving husband, dedicated father, grandfather, loyal brother, uncle and friend. He was a good Christian starting each day with the sign of the cross. Gus used Windex for a “cure all,” but Jimmy used Chapstick. He also loved his adopted country and often said “God Bless America,” but the two most important things to him were his family and his work. His family was his highest priority, and he protected them fiercely. He had a tireless work ethic, and always put forth his best effort, both in his business and at home.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Melpomeni, his daughters Artemis Diane (Christos Tsetsekas) and Dina Lena (Vasilios Kovoros), and grandchildren Stratis, Demetris (Margaret nee Ipp), Melina, Kristos, Dimitri, and brothers Aimilios, Photios, Hippocrates, and Giorgios, and many nieces and nephews in US, Greece and Australia, who will continue to honor his memory and cherish their time together. He was predeceased by his parents, Konstantinos and Artemisia and brother, Evangelos. In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union, a community that embraced him 57 years ago.
Frank Lardiere
It is with great sadness the family of Frank Lardiere an-
nounces his passing on Oct. 24 at his home. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and great friend to many.
Born on March 7, 1955, he spent his childhood in Jersey City, later moving to North Arlington where he married his beloved wife, Mary. Frank settled in Monroe in 2005. His positive outlook, warm heart and outgoing, friendly personality left an impact on anyone who came across his path. These attributes led to his success in ownership of FJL Management and Consulting. Frank enjoyed volunteering, being a member of the West Hudson Optimists, playing golf, weekends in Brigantine, and most of all spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Frank is survived by his loving wife Mary, his three children James (Linda) Holmes, Jessica Weisz, Michael (Michelle) Lardiere, and grandchildren Justin, Julie, Jamie, Frank, Victoria, Alex and his pal/ grand-dog Logan.
Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr., Kearny. Family and friends offered prayers in Holy Cross Mausoleum, North Arlington.
The family requests in lieu of flowers contributions to ALS United Greater New York, 42 Broadway, Suite 1724, attention Meg Emery, New York, N.Y. 10004 (212) 720-3049.
Michael DeGiovanni
Michael DeGiovanni, 51, died suddenly on Oct. 13, 2024.
Relatives and friends visited at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Cremation was private. A memorial funeral Mass will be celebrated at St.
Stephen’s R.C. Church, Kearny. Born in Belleville, Michael was raised in Kearny and lived there until moving to Lyndhurst seven years ago.
All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission.
He was an assistant signal repairman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
See OBITS, Page 14
Teixeria, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757
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Arrangements may be made in Spanish, Portuguese or Polish Frank X. Mulligan III, Manager, NJ Lic. 4221 Frank X. Mulligan, Jr. Inactive Private Parking at 10 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. North 973-481-4333 visit us at: www.mulliganfh.com
WILFRED ARMITAGE & WIGGINS FUNERAL HOME
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You will feel as if friends of family have taken over when you entrust funeral arrangements to the Wilfred Armitage Funeral Home. The family-owned firm has been in business for 100 years, serving generations in West Hudson and South Bergen. Its beautiful facilities, in a setting reminiscent of a colonial mansion, reflect the graciousness and tact of its understanding personnel.
Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home 596 Belgrove Dr. • Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-0657
ATHLETE
Continued from Page 11
on defense and 580 rushing yards on offense. Those numbers may pale in comparison to previous years, but that’s a testament to the way Lyndhurst has played this season.
During this current seven-game winning streak, the Golden Bears have outscored their opponents by an average by
OBITS
Continued from Page 13
for the last 13 years as well as a proud member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS).
He is survived by his wife, Sylvia (Cerisola) DeGiovanni, one son, the love of his life, Joseph DeGiovanni, two sisters, Angela Waack and her husband Christopher, Mena Farinhas and her husband, Robert, three
42.6 points. This has resulted in Morinho and several other starters spending the second halves of games on the sidelines with younger players getting reps with the game out of reach.
“It’s not a me sport, it’s not an I sport, it’s the team. If the team’s winning, then I’m winning,” Morinho said. “Yeah, I could have some insane stats this year, but how is it going to be when I leave? When I come back to watch some of the kids I played
brothers, Vincent DeGiovanni and his wife, Susan, Mark De Giovanni and his wife Aggie and John DeGiovanni. He was a fun loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Mike always carried in his heart the love and family values instilled by his predeceased parents, Gaetano and Michele (Ciampitti) DeGiovanni. He will be remembered as a great father to his beloved son, Joseph. His love of boxing, the New York Mets and the Las
with, how, how are they doing? Are they succeeding? Are they excelling the way that I know they can? Lyndhurst football is not ending when I leave and I want us to stay great.”
One added benefit in the short term is that Morinho feels significantly healthier than a year ago when Lyndhurst went to Newton for the first round of the state tournament. This time around, Morinho feels 100-percent heading into Friday night at
Vegas Raiders will live on in all of his family and friends. His smile and laugh will be missed by all.
Josefa Gonzalez
Josefa Gonzalez, It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Josefa Gonzalez, lovingly known as “Pepita,” on Oct. 24, 2024, at the age of 91. Born in Pobra do Caramiñal in Galicia, Spain, Josefa eventually made her way to the United States, where she embraced
Ramsey in what he hopes will be just the first game in a long state tournament run..
“A year ago I was banged up and I was definitely feeling it at the end of the season. All the guys were,” said Morinho. “This year, not having to play the full game every single game because we dominated in the beginning, I feel more fresh. I wasn’t always so banged up here and there this year. Everytime I stepped on the field for the later games this
a new life.
A funeral service took place at the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave. Harrison. Her final disposition was private.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mulliganfh. com.
Josefa found her calling as a hairdresser eventually opening her own business, Pepita’s Beauty Salon, in Harrison. For over 30 years, the salon
season, I was just fresh. I was 100-percent and I was ready to rock.
“We want to send a message to everybody that we’re not a force to be taken lightly. We want to show everybody that we’re here to play and we’re not going home soon. We want to play through the whole month in November. We want to be out here and we want to dominate everybody they put in front of us.”
was more than just a place of beauty — it was a place to get together and enjoy each other’s company.
Josefa’s legacy lives on through her daughter, Carmela. Josefa’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Rest in peace, Josefa.
Brian Joseph McCarthy
Brian Joseph McCarthy died Oct. 11, 2024.
He was 67.
His home was Kearny. A private funeral was conducted by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery with his parents in North Arlington.
Brian was the beloved son of Bernard and Marie (nee McGarril) McCarthy. Brother of Karen Weins (John) and John McCarthy (Jeanette). He is also survived by his nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to Hunterdon Developmental Center, 40 Pittstown Road, Clinton, N.J. 08809.
Rosemarie McSorley
Rosemarie McSorley of Kearny died Oct. 19, 2024. She was 93.
Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Mass was celebrated at St. Cecilia Church, Kearny. Burial was in Holy Cross Cem-
Continued on next page
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
etery, North Arlington.
Rosemarie was the sister of Patrick McSorley and the late Margaret, James, Roger, Theresa, Peter, Susan and Catherine McSorley. She is also survived by loving nieces and nephews. She was the Monarch the McSorley family. She was predeceased by her nephew Dominic.
Felicita Rey Martinez
Felicita Rey Martinez, 89, died peacefully in her home on Monday, Oct. 21,2024. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Felicita lived in New York City and Long Island before moving to Kearny 37 years ago. She dedicated her life to nurturing, loving and providing for her family. She had a passion for flowers and enjoyed the outdoors, walks in the park and vacationing with her family.
Loving mother of Jose (Denise), James (Kathy), David (Rosita), Elizabeth (Thomas), Naomi (Edward) and Sammy. Cherished grandmother of Hannah (Jason),David (Lauren), Dominique (Ryan), Christopher (fiance Hannah) and Stephen. Devoted aunt to Raymond (Nydia), Nurinalda and Jose (Aida).
Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Felicita’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.
Maria Echevarria
Maria Echevarria, 52, died Oct. 17, 2024.
Maria was the beloved daughter of Rafael and Julia, beloved sister to Raphael and the late Jose Luis Dlaguila, beloved aunt to Melissa, Zelenia, Yasmine and Rafael.
Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Cremation was private. After graduating from Holy Rosary Catholic High School, she went to work in a broker house in New York City. She started at the young age of 19. She worked there for a few years and pursued greater opportunities.
Maria went from job to job until she found herself working at Verizon for customer service, offering translation services for customers who needed a Spanish interpreter. She went to night school during this time and got a bachelor’s degree in business. She climbed the ranks
and became manager, leading a team called the Mega Stars. Her team has done very well and she was on the list for Present’s Club. She dedicated 18 years working for Verizon.
Maria donated to St Jude Cancer Center, local churches and children in need. She loved to read, travel and being with her friends. She loved trying new things, shopping and she never stopped learning.
Maria’s sense of style was always noticeable in every room. She always had to have a pair of earrings and lipstick on no matter what the occasion. She was very outgoing and always lent an ear if you needed. She was the go to person if anyone had a problem. She always tried to solve it. Maria always had a smile on her face, very independent and nothing stopped her from doing what she wanted to do. Her absence will weigh heavily on a lot of people’s hearts. She is loved dearly by her family and friends.
Thomas French
Thomas French, 90, of Spring Lake, died peacefully surrounded by his family. Born in Kearny, he was raised in Harrison and graduated from Harrison High
School.
After proudly serving his country in the Korean War, he came home and married Letty Reagan and together, they raised six children in East Newark. Always active, Tom was an avid runner who completed the New York City Marathon. His passion for his community and sports was evident, as he coached baseball for Harrison travel teams, managed the Youth Center and the P.A.L. located at the town library.
He proudly served as a councilman for multiple terms in East Newark. On Sundays, he served as a lector at St. Anthony’s Church. He was also the president of the Blue Tide Booster Club, where he presided over inductions into the Harrison High School Hall of Fame.
Tommy worked for Weyerhauser Lumber as a salesman for over 35 years. He retired with Letty to Myrtle Beach South Carolina, where he was a member of the Colonial Charters Men’s Club and spent many happy hours golfing and enjoying a well-crafted beefeater martini.
Thomas is survived by his beloved wife Letty and their children, Valerie Richardson and her husband, Doug; Gregory and
his wife, Kim; Letty Jo Green and her husband, Danny; Gina Slattery; and Bobby and his wife, Tammy.
He was predeceased by his daughter Jenny. Tom is also survived by his sister, Joan Reagan and her husband Larry. He was loved by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Melva Heguy
Melva Heguy died peacefully Oct. 20, 2024.
She lived in Garwood before moving to Middletown, New York.
Melva was predeceased by her husband Edel. Mother of Omar (Tara) and the late Marlene Buckman, she is also survived by her son-in-law Kevin Buckman, her sisters Noelia Martin and Ana Maria Martin, and her seven grandchildren, David Heguy, Danny Heguy, K C Buckman, Tommy Buckman, Chris Buckman, Nicholas Vallano and Jonathan Vallano.
Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Cecilla Church, Kearny. Interment was in St. Gertrude’s Cemetery, Colonia.
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Ven Riper House awarded nearly $10K grant
The New Jersey Historic Trust voted to recommend a Historic Site Management Grant for $9,634 to Van Riper House, Inc. The funds will be used for the preparation of nomin-
wations to the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places for the Van Riper House, an 18th century Dutch farmhouse in dire need of restoration in Nutley. The balance of the plan’s
total estimated cost of $12,845 will be funded by funds the organization has on hand in accordance with the grant’s three-to-one matching provision. The grant award represents another major
milestone in the organization’s progress since its reorganization in 2019. It is the culmination of many hours of volunteer work, encompassing major fundraising, strategic planning and grassroots community outreach.
The proposed nominations will be developed by Hunter Research, Inc., New Jersey’s premier investigative history firm, led by principal architectural historian Patrick Harshbarger. Hunter Research’s strengths in the area of nomination preparation are the result of the firm’s more than 30 years of working in New Jersey during which they have gained an intimate knowledge of how the listing process works.
The nominations will benefit from findings of a preservation plan developed by Hunter for the house over the last two years, also funded in part by a trust grant. Listing on the registers will allow the organization to raise capital funds for major restoration projects, and is a key component of the plan’s proposed project schedule.
Final acceptance of the nominations are expected to take 18 months. If listed, the Van Riper House will join the Nutley Museum, Kingsland Manor, former Women’s Club (Vreeland House) and the Enclosure Historic District on the New Jersey and National Registers.
The application process for the grant was executed by Dante Intindola, president of Van Riper House, Inc.
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
MOORE
Continued from Page 1
environment. Elks’ Camp Moore’s primary function is to enable children to use and further develop recreational, social and leisure skills through activities presented in a positive, enjoyable and appropriate manner and in a real life situation. At camp each child is challenged to try new things or to improve on what he already knows. We encourage each child to do as much as he can for himself and by himself. The guidance of a friendly and understanding counselor is always near.”
The camp itself, in Passaic County, is made up of 18 fully airconditioned, completely wheelchair-accessible buildings. It began in 1971, and has grown exponentially from its early days. Thousands of Jersey Elks have volunteered to make it a memorable week for the campers — and time for parents to take it easy for a week.
Remarkably, campers attend at no cost to families.
Meanwhile, the camp also boasts: “among the buildings stand three modern camper dormitories, a two-story dining hall, kitchen, arts & crafts and games room and also a fully equipped infirmary. The camp also contains a large heated pool that is completely wheelchair accessible.”
In simpler terms, it has almost anything a camper could need.
Now, if you’ve never heard of the camp, we’re going to tell you about it. But it’s best to do so using the experiences of two people who have long loved the camp, what it does and what it means them.
The first reflection comes from mom Branda Colon, who has a special-needs daughter, Alyssa.
“For Alyssa, Camp Moore is more than just a place to
spend a few summer days — it’s a sanctuary where she thrives,” Branda says. “As a parent, watching her pack her bags with excitement each year is a heartwarming reminder of how much the camp has become part of her life.
“Camp Moore, designed for children with disabilities, offers Alyssa a sense of freedom and independence that she doesn’t always experience at home. The environment is welcoming, and the staff are well-trained, patient and attentive to every child’s needs. The range of activities — whether it’s swimming, arts and crafts, or nature walks — gives Alyssa the chance to explore her strengths and interests, all while building new friendships.
“What makes Camp Moore special from a parent’s viewpoint is the peace of mind it provides. I know she is in a safe, supportive environment, surrounded by peers and counselors who understand and celebrate her differences. This isn’t just about keeping her occupied — it’s about giving her the joy and confidence that comes with feeling truly included.
“If you’re a parent of a child with disabilities and you’re wondering if Camp Moore might be right for your family, I encourage you to give it a try. It has given Alyssa some of the most joyful memories of her childhood, and I believe it could do the same for many other children.”
Branda is hardly alone. Kim Catalfamo is also the mother of a camper. Her experiences, while not precisely like those of Branda, do seem to share a commonality.
“Elks’ Camp Moore is an excellent camp giving two options of a youth, week-long sleepaway experience or a young adult weekend respite away from their families,” Kim says. “Yes, it’s also a ‘Me-Time’ for his family too,
THE ELKS
so we can relax and refresh as special need’s parents.
“My son, Joey, has attended ECM both as a youth and adult. At age 10, Joey attend his first summer at ECM. I’ll admit that first year, I was a whole lot (more) nervous letting others take care of him. You see, Joey attends using his wheelchair and needs full assistance with everything, from eating to bathing to swimming.
“The pool has a ramp built in to bring the beach wheelchair right in. The sprinkler park is great for a quick cool off, too. His CP, seizures and medical needs are all challenges. I also knew he was in great hands with the full-time medical staff and one-on-one counselor, not to mention their training to take care of him with his sleep apnea machine, orthotics and feeding assistance.
“The camp also provides him a medical bed. I think Joey’s favorite activities include karaoke, campfire s’mores & sing-a-longs, the themed parties, having Elk lodges visit for dinners or with treats.
“As the years went by, Joey created friendships with so many campers that he joins them at Elks’ dances, picnics and special events throughout the year, too. Isn’t that the joy of going to camp of building lifetime friendships? What a joy it is to see Joey keeping in touch with past counselors who live overseas.
“The joy for my son to have reunions with them as they popped back to the US to visit Joey during their travels (is incredible.) That’s what ECM is about, making friends and memories.
“The fun of virtual camp during COVID lockdown kept the camp experience rolling for Joey. Respite weekends
in spring and fall opened up opportunities for Joey to continue ECM life now that he’s 26. We all are looking forward to the 2025 ECM season.”
If you are the parent of a special-needs child and think you’d like him or her to attend, reach out to Elk Chris
Brown by email at chrisscc1050@gmail.com. She will give you all the details you need to get on the road to experiencing this very special place. Or, reach out to your local Elks’ lodge. Don’t delay.
