JANUARY 31, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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Thomas H. SIMPSON
Thomas Henry Simpson, 94, of Old Tappan, formerly of River Vale, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. Tom was the beloved husband of Dorothy (née Lowell) for 73 years. He was the loving father of Thomas E. Simpson and wife Marilyn of Harrington Park, Kathleen Rizza and husband Patrick of Emerson, and Carolyn Hulsizer and husband David of Ramsey. Proud grandfather of Erica Sposa and husband Rick, Kyle Rizza, Thomas J. Simpson and wife Theresa, Timothy Rizza and wife Kelli, Brendan Rizza and wife Bridget, Stephanie Hulsizer, and David Hulsizer, Jr. Adored great-grandfather of Giuliana and Katelyn Sposa, Thomas L. Simpson, and Jackson Rizza. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Irene Simpson, a brother, Daniel Simpson, and a sister, Ruth Stark. Tom was a U.S. Navy veteran who served his country proudly in World War II, just recently being awarded his service medals. He joined the Township of River Vale Police Department in 1955, and rose to police chief in 1971, a role that he held until his retirement in 1992. He was a member and past president of both the NJ State Police Chiefs Association and the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association. He was a past president of the State Association of Chiefs of Police and a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Tom never forgot a name, a face or a phone number, and he loved listening to bagpipe music. He adored telling stories, spending time on Cape Cod, and enjoying time with his family. Those who wish may make a donation in Tomʼs memory to the COPD Foundation, copdfoundation.org.
Mary Jane CAPOBIANCO
Mary Jane Danza Capobianco, 77, of River Vale, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Jan. 8, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Robert J. Capobianco. Cherished mother of devoted daughters Angela Santomero (husband Greg) of New York and Jennifer Brackenbury (husband Scott) of Harrington Park, son Robert, and loving cousin of Felicia and husband James Castle.
OBITUARIES
Proud grandmother of Austin, Hope, Ryan, Ella, Isabella, Aidan, Landon, Reese and Bennett and cousins Sabrina and Jenna. Dear sister of Phyllis Hickey and the late Gaetano Danza. Mary Jane was a manager and integral member of MidCounty Endodontics in Ridgewood for many years. Her grandchildren were her life and she was so proud of all of them. She will be remembered for her infectious smile, love of family, smart wit, sense of humor, her signature red lipstick and love of the Bronxʼs Arthur Avenue. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Victories R.C. Church, Harrington Park. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital, stjude.org.
Marie E. DEL VECCHIO
Marie E. Del Vecchio (née Gerardi), of the Township of Washington, formerly of Hackensack, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 94. Prior to retiring, she worked as a grade school teacher, secretary to the laboratory pathologist at Pascack Valley Hospital, and was a very talented artist painting a lot from memory with watercolors and other modalities since she was a young girl. She was a parishioner of St. Francis R.C. Church, Hackensack. Beloved wife of the late Peter J. Del Vecchio (2002). Loving mother of the late Daniel Del Vecchio (2018). Grandmother of Elysia and Matthew. Devoted daughter of the late Salvatore and Magdeline Gerardi. Dearest sister of the late Grace Leonardi, the late Ann Dawson and her husband, the late Charles Dawson, the late Phyllis F. Sarracino and her husband, the late Albert Sarracino. D Dearest sister to Dolores Van Saders and the late Antoinette Tedesco. Dearest sister to the late Salvatore Gerardi Jr. and his late wife Bess. Dearest niece of Maryann DawsonReyes and her husband Rene Reyes, Donna Dawson and her son Jeremy Lebled, Thomas Tedesco and his sons, Thomas Jr. and David, William P. Van Saders and his daughter Gabriella, son William Jr. and Christopher Van Saders and his wife Julie, son Christopher Jr., daughters Madeline and Caroline. Beloved cousin to the Beningaso and Fontana families. Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Francis R.C. Church, Hackensack, with burial following at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Joseph D. ARGENZIA
Joseph Dominick Argenzia, 79, of Toms River, formerly of Emerson, passed away on Jan. 21, 2022, after a courageous battle with post-Covid illness. On his last day, he was surrounded by his wife, Maria “Cookie” Argenzia, and his children, Denyse Walpole and Dennis Argenzia. Joe, born in New York City in 1942, moved to Emerson at the age of 5. He was a lifelong resident of Emerson until moving to Berkeley Township five years ago. Joe served his country as a Navy underwater weapons specialist for submarines, and eventually retired from OʼSullivan Publishing where he was a senior vice president. He loved spending time with his family, celebrating holiday traditions, cooking, hunting, fishing, and lounging by the pool. Joe was a kind, generous, and loving husband, father and grandfather, with a wicked sense of humor, and happy to offer a smile and a hello to anyone. Joe leaves behind his wife, Maria “Cookie”; daughter Denyse Walpole and her husband Peter; son Dennis Argenzia and his wife Grace; and three grandchildren, Chloe and Quinn Walpole and Tenzin Argenzia. Pre-deceased by his brother Patrick, he also leaves behind his sister-in-law Karin Argenzia; nephew Patrick and his wife Nicole; nephew Daniel; grandnephew Dominick; and grandnieces, Francesca and Lily. All are forever grateful to have had him in their lives. A funeral service was held at Becker Funeral Home, followed by burial at Westwood Cemetery. Memorial gifts to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital (stjude.org) would be appreciated.
Virginia M C PEAK
Virginia “Ginner” McPeak, 76, of the Township of Washington, passed away on Jan. 23, 2022. Virginia was born on July 23, 1945, in Brooklyn to Joseph and Catherine Taylor. Loving mother of James J., Matthew (Karen), Kelly Lorentzen (Allan), and son-in-law Henry Thissen. Adoring grandmother of Christopher, Cortney, Caitlyn, and Henry James Thissen and Madeline Lorentzen. Greatgrandmother of Brayden Thissen and Adelaine Genfoud. Sister of Joan Downey and
James Taylor (Barbara). She is predeceased by her beloved husband James “Jay” and loving daughter Maureen Thissen, sisters Mary Farrell, Margaret Gardner, and Catherine Taylor; and brothers John “Jack” Taylor, Daniel Taylor, Thomas Taylor, and Joseph Taylor. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. Services were held at Church of the Assumption, Emerson. Interment, Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Childrenʼs Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Philip PICINICH
Philip Picinich, 67, a longtime resident of Westwood, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, after a long battle with ALS (Lou Gehrigʼs disease). He was born in Jersey City on June 23, 1954, to Philip and Mary Picinich. Raised in Hoboken, Philip grew to love Frank Sinatra tunes, baseball and radio. He started his career with IBM as an electronic engineer and later in life went on to work for Computer Network Solutions and Delta Computer Service Inc., both based out of New York. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Carmel Council in Leonia and more recently a member of the Washington Township Knights of Columbus. Philip enjoyed fishing, nature, and the outdoors. He was a proud American. Phil was a devoted and dedicated family man; his wife and daughter were his pride and joy. He is survived by his loving wife Olivia and their devoted daughter Christina. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to ALS.org.
Marian A. GERLINGER
Marian A. Gerlinger (née Raffio), 94, a resident of Hillsdale for over 60 years, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 23, 2022. She was born in Orange on May 20, 1927 to Amadeo and Frances Raffio. She was a longtime member of her church St. Johnʼs in Hillsdale as she was part of the Rosary Society. She was also an active member of the 50 Plus Club. Marian was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Charles Gerlinger, in 2009; her sisters, Florence Raffio and Katherine Polizzi; and brother-in-law Harry Polizzi Sr.
She is survived by her devoted daughter, Suzanne DiStefano, and her loyal and dedicated husband, Robert; beloved nephew Harry Polizzi Jr. and his lovely wife, Ann; and great niece Karen and her husband, Jason. A funeral mass was held at St. John the Baptist Church.
Lillian CIUFO
Lillian Ciufo (née Santarelli), 83, of Woodcliff Lake, passed away on Jan. 20, 2022. Lillian was the executive director of the Fort Lee Housing Authority for over 20 years before retiring in 2015. She enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with her friends and family. She is survived by her brothers, Tulio Santarelli and Anthony Santarelli and his wife Ann Marie; her two sons, Dr. Steven Ciufo and his wife Kris and Christopher Ciufo and his wife Gabriela; three grandchildren, Kenneth, Matthew and Nicholas; and many nieces and nephews. Lillian was predeceased by her loving husband, Pat Ciufo; daughter, Laura Ciufo; brother, Angelo Santarelli; and sisters, Angela Marchitelli and Marie Santarelli. A private burial service was held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital.
Eric A. REFF
Eric A. Reff, 82, of Barnegat, passed Jan. 24, 2022 at home. Formerly of Westwood, he was a U.S. Navy veteran. Surviving are his wife, Carol Reff; two sons, Eric Reff and Kristian Reff and wife Adrianna; and a sister, Mona Behnke, and her husband, Donald.
John C. CARUCCIO
John C. Caruccio, 93, of Park Ridge, peacefully passed away on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022. Beloved husband of Joan for 70 years. Devoted father of Janet Revfi and husband Frank, and Thomas Caruccio and wife Linda. Cherished grandfather of Amanda, Danielle and Jax. Dear brother of Evelyn Newton and husband Richard. He is predeceased by his brother, Carmine, and wife Patricia. John loved his country and was a United States Army veteran of the Korean War. He was an insurance executive for 50 years, retiring from Western World Insurance Co. of Ramsey in 1993. John was a talented and creative craftsman with wood, enjoyed golfing, and was an avid skier well into his 70s. But his CONTINUED ON PAGE 39
