OBITUARIES

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.

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 MCPEAK

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

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the library from 6to 8:30 p.m. Next date: Feb. 1. Bring friends or come alone and find new partners. Adults only. Bring your 2021 mahjong card and your own tiles, if possible. No need to sign up— just come enjoy the game! Masks required. All participants must sign a hold harmless agreement. • John Monton will be at the library to teach you how to paint a tropical flamingo watercolor. Painting with John is Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 6:30to 8 p.m. Registration required. All materials provided. Open to River Vale residents 18 and up. • Virtual Chair Yoga meets via Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 3 from 1:30–2:30 p.m. This gentle form of yoga is specially designed for seniors and people with disabilities to help them strengthen, stretch, and tone the body, and to connect body, mind and spirit. Register for Zoom access. • Historian and author Gordon Bond presents a virtual lecture, “Token on the Freedmanʼs

Coat: The Story behind Thomas Mundy Petersonʼs 1884 Voting

Medal, ” Friday, Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to noon. In 1884, citizens of Perth Amboy pinned a gold medal to Petersonʼs coat in honor of his having done something remarkable: it was proven that in 1870, he was the first African American to vote under the 15th Amendment. Yet, in the annals of local history the story became not one of Petersonʼs courage, but a pat on the back for the progressive white citizens of Perth Amboy. Lecture is via Zoom; register online.

T TO OW WN NS SH HI IP P O OF F

W WA AS SH HI IN NG GT TO ON N 144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586 twpofwashingtonpl.org • Tales and Mocktails Bookclub meets the last Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. This monthʼs meeting is virtual, via Zoom, on Jan. 31. Members will chat about the book “All You Can Ever Know” by Nicole Chung. Sign up via the libraryʼs website, and cast your vote for Februaryʼs book. • Virtual Preschool Story Time Tuesdays at 10 a.m. on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and the libraryʼs website. • The library is offering Read Across America Sticker Kits. Beginning Feb. 1 you can register to pick up a U.S. map, stickers, trivia book, and reading list that celebrates reading in every state. • Cartooning Class for tweens and teens grade 6 and up takes place Monday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. Virtual:register online.

W WE ES ST TW WO OO OD D 49 Park Ave. (201) 664-0583 westwoodpubliclibrary.org • In Global E-Pals, grades 3–5 connect with students from around the world to learn about their culture, practice writing, and improve social skills through letter writing. Monthly on Google Meet. Next date: Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 3:30 p.m. Register online. • Peek-A-Book Story Time (to age 5) is Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 10:30to 11 a.m. at the library. Children listen to stories, sing, dance, do fingerplays, review numbers, colors, animals. Register online. • In the Scratch Coding Workshop, grades 3–5 gather on Google Meet to create their own interactive stories, games and animations. One-time program meets Wednesday, Feb. 2, 4–4:45 p.m. Download the free Scratch app from mit.edu prior to class. • The virtual workshop “Understanding the Graduated Driverʼs License” for teens grades 9-12 will explain New Jerseyʼs Graduated Driverʼs License (GDL) attainment. Great for parents/care-givers and students to understand these laws and effective tools to reducing teen crashes and injuries. Via Google Meet, Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 6:30to 7:15 p.m. • Curious Minds (grades 1–3) on Google Meet Thursday, Feb. 3 from 4to 4:45 p.m. In this monthly program, kids learn about bridges, airplanes, mummies, castles, space, and more. Register online. • The Coffee & Conversation series continues Friday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. Each week, the group will gather virtually to listen to a fun, interesting, short podcast and then have a chat about it. Register online for meeting link. • Debate Club (grades 6–8) will be on Google Meet every Friday in February, starting Feb. 4, from 4to 4:45 p.m. Students gain valuable experience in public speaking, forming and defending arguments and logic. The club meets weekly to read sources, compare research, play games that enhance critical thinking, and prepare arguments. Register online. • The Junior Library Council presents “Friday Night Folk Tales” on Instagram, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. This winter, kids can enjoy a new themed story read to them each week by a volunteer member of the JLC. Themes vary monthly; February brings African tales. Best for ages 4–10. Readings are posted Friday evenings on Instagram.

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TRENTON

DEP millions for stormwater, flood reduction, water quality work

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is seeking applicants for its latest round of grant funding, which prioritizes projects that will restore and protect New Jerseyʼs watersheds while better managing stormwater runoff and reducing flooding risks in ourcommunities, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced.

Specifically invited are those nonprofit organizations, local governments, community groups and state colleges and universities ready to plan and deploy multifaceted water quality projects in the Delaware River watershed and the northeast region of New Jersey

319 Water Grants

“When we invest in restoring and protecting natural assets within our watersheds through projects like constructing rain gardens or improving stormwater infrastructure, we help those natural resources to provide vital and free services for the public—like storm protection and improved water quality,” said LaTourette in a press advisory. “We are encouraging all local leaders and organizations in Northeastern New Jersey and in the Delaware River Watershed to join in and let us help them invest in their natural resources and environmental infrastructure.”

The DEP has issued a Request For Proposal to solicit applications for up to $9.4 million available to eligible water quality improvement projects and watershed planning activities. Funding applications may be submitted to the DEPʼs Water Quality Restoration Grants Program. The project proposal submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28.

Projects that may be eligible for grant funding include those that: •Use green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff in communities with aging combined wastewater-stormwater infrastructure, especially in overburdened

Obituaries:

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greatest joy was spending time with his family and attending any activities in which his grandchildren were involved.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of John to your favorite veterans organization.

Frederick

CORNFIELD

Frederick Cornfield, 96, of the Township of Washington, died peacefully on Jan. 19, 2022. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Mildred. Loving father of Steven Cornfield and Carol Brawley. Cherished grandfather of Matthew Gallmann, Adrienne Gallmann, Jennifer Cavaliere, Hank Sherhandt, and Mollie Brawley.

Frederick was born in New York City to Anna and Benjamin Cornfield.

He was an Army Air Corps veteran who served during World War II. He was a salesman with F&M Sales. communities; •Improve suburban stormwater management systems; •Help agricultural operations reduce nonpoint source pollution; •Implement water quality improvements and support and expand watershed and lake management planning in the Lower and Upper Delaware River and Northeast watershed regions; •Construct living shorelines; • Improve water quality in lakes; • Promote environmental education.

In addition, funding from the U.S. Department of Defense will target stormwater management and riparian areas of the Rancocas Creek watershed.

Stormwater runoff can carry pollutants such as nutrients from fertilizers and animal wastes as well as automotive fluids and pesticides into waterways. Excessive nutrients can cause algae blooms that impact the ecological health of waterways and diminish the publicʼs recreational enjoyment of them.

The grants are made possible through funds provided under Section 319(h) of the federal Clean Water Act, the Department of Defense Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program and a part of the environmental dedication from the stateʼs Corporation Business Tax.

Proposals for Water Quality Restoration Grants must be submitted electronically using the DEPʼs System for Administering Grants Electronically (NJDEP SAGE) at https://njdepsage.intelligrants.com. Registered users will log on and the listing for this RFP will be under “View Available Opportunities” Water Quality Restoration 2020-2022.

For additional information call Cathryn Schaffer, Manager of the Bureau of Watershed Management, Restoration Unit at (609) 984-0921.

To view the RFP, including requirements for proposal submissions, and for more information about New Jerseyʼs Water Quality Restoration Grants Program, visit nj.gov/dep/wms/bears/npsrestgrants.html.

Forever Young yoga, art, tai chi

Westwood Recreation is enrolling adults 55 and up for its ForeverYoung yoga, art and taichi classes starting in January.

Certified yoga instructor Tori Karach leads ForeverYoung participants, beginners to advanced, in a 60-minute class designed to increase overall flexibility, assist in improving balance and posture, boost mood, increase muscle tone and ease aches and pains.

The winter session runs Thursdays from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Westwood Community Center.

The ForeverYoung yoga class is free for Westwood residents 55 and up; itʼs $20 per month for non-residents.

Adults 55+ are also invited to take an “Artistic Journey” with artist Brit Sikiric the new instructor of the ForeverYoung Art Class. This takes place in a fun, freestyle, and low-key atmosphere — the perfect way to unwind and create.

Instruction focuses on each participantʼs unique sense of expression and interpretation of their own artistic process, through acrylic paint, watercolor, canvas and pastels, mixed media clay and more. Classes are inspired by impressionistic, traditional, and modern artists and participantsʼ own style.

ForeverYoung art class runs Tuesdays from noon to 1:30 p.m.

ForeverYoung participants looking for a new challenge are also encouraged to try Tai-Chi with instructor Hasmig Mekjian. Tai-chi is a Chinese martial art incorporating slow continuous movement from one pose to the next.

It is widely hailed as a beneficial way to reduce stress and anxiety and regular practice promotes better sleep and weight loss, and might improve cognition and balance and relieve symptoms of arthritis.

ForeverYoung Tai-Chi classes run Tuesdays at 8 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Free for Westwood residents; the nonresident fee is $30 per month and includes entrance to both classes.

To register, adults 55+ should go to the Westwood Community Center office at 55 Jefferson Ave. any day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call (201) 664-7882.