MARCH 21, 2022 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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OBITUARIES
GIUSEPPE CROCE
NOVEMBER 3, 1942 – MARCH 11, 2022
Thomas J. CONAHAN
Thomas J. “Tucker” Conahan, 66, of River Vale, passed away unexpectedly at his home early Monday morning, March 7, 2022. Born and raised in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Joseph B. and Elizabeth (McHugh) Conahan. Tucker was a graduate of Bishop Hafey High School class of 1974. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting from Kings College. Tucker began a career in the beverage business that spanned 20 years, beginning at MidWay Beverage in the Wilkes-Barre area. In 1989, he sold MidWay and relocated to New Jersey. There he was manager and partner of Brewers World, a wine, liquor, and beverage business, located in Dumont. He sold the business and properties in 2008. During his career in New Jersey, Tucker was an active member of the community, sponsoring many youth and adult sports teams. He was also a very active supporter of the local fire and police benevo-
lent associations. Outside of work, Tucker enjoyed golf trips with his brothers and fishing with his friends. He will be remembered by his loving family as a generous and caring brother with a quick Irish wit. His way of connecting with friends and family was to recall his days at 2nd and Vine, D. A. Harman and JBC Trucking. He loved the history that he and his family shared. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Betty Conahan. Tucker is survived by the following loving and devoted brothers and sisters: Dr. Joseph B. Conahan and wife Margaret, Dr. Francis Conahan and wife Sally, Attorney Paula DeJoseph and husband Daniel, Elizabeth Oldham and husband James, Michael Conahan and wife Barbara, Ann Marie Vita and husband Frank, Therese Tedesco and husband Don, and Dr. James Conahan and wife Molly. Also surviving are numerous nephews and nieces. Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Social Services, 106 S. Church St., Hazleton, PA 18201 or Annunciation Parish, Church of St. Gabriel, 122 S. Wyoming St., Hazleton, PA 18201.
Antonia D. PISARRI
Antonia D. Pisarri, 95, of River Vale passed away Saturday, March 12, 2022 at home. She is survived by her four sons, Ozzie, Thomas, Vanny and Joseph, and their wives, Linda and Laurine, and partner Jamie Lynne; her nine grandchildren, Ozzie, Carly, Ryan, Adrian, Melissa, Giovanni, Joseph, Michael, and Michelle; and four great-grandchildren, Anthony, Sophia, Connor and Bryson. Grandma, or Deme as she was known to her family, spent her years feeding loved ones with her secret
meatball recipe and endless pasta dishes. She fed everyone from her family and friends, to the deer, turkeys, and raccoons who waited outside her door for their corn and peanut butter sandwiches. She had a deep love for animals, the Yankees, the Rugrats and movie classics. Her grandchildren remember swimming in her pool, her infamous candy drawer, and the large taped notes on the wall she used to remember important moments. She was headstrong, funny, determined, and was a true family matriarch in every sense. She leaves behind the business that she helped to grow with her late husband Oswald “Ozzie” Pisarri, Eagle Paint and Wallpaper. The two of them worked seamlessly together to establish what would be their livelihood as of 1948. Their home was always a place where people were welcomed and taken care of, and it seems appropriate that they created a livelihood that did just the same. Even in Demeʼs final days she asked how business was, and if everyone was doing okay down at the store. She knew how to care, and how to love. Love, love, love, love—that is exactly what you would hear at the end of every conversation. She lived life with love and gave it to every soul she met. Her family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Save The Animals Rescue Team II (S.T.A.R.T. II) of Bergen County, and kindly include “Eagle Paint” in the notes.
Mark J. BRACKENBURY
Mark Joseph Brackenbury, 57, of Little Egg Harbor, formerly of Emerson, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on March 13, 2022. Survived by his wife, Amy ViolaBrackenbury; sons Mark Jr. and wife
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Patricia, Evan, and Craig; grandson Jackson; his mother, Amelia (née Weinschreider); siblings Scott and wife Jennifer, Teresa Angelakos and husband Peter, Jeanette Kammlott and husband Robert, Andrew and wife Debbie and Catherine Brackenbury; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. He was predeceased by his father, Milton. Mark also leaves behind his four fur babies, Bella, Tripp, Carolina and George. Mark was a volunteer firefighter, starting at the Old Tappan Fire Department at the age of 16 alongside his father. He continued volunteering at the Emerson Fire Department, in which he was still an active member. He served as chief in 2016 and 2017. Mark loved serving his community. His favorite time of year at the fire department was the holidays. He and his wife met at the fire department during the holiday season, so it has always held a special place in both their hearts. The bond that has been formed with these men and women will be carried on and will never be forgotten. Mark was an accomplished director of IT. He graduated and attained a masterʼs degree from Stevens Institute of Technology. Mark worked for Pfizer for 14 years and was presently working for PDI/Nice-Pak in Woodcliff Lake. Mark loved the water and the beach. He and his wife made their dreams come true when they moved down the shore on the water. Mark was happiest when he was there. He loved barbecuing on the deck, boating, jet-skiing, dining out, watching football on Sundays, and spending time at home with his family. Mark was a happy, fun, loving guy. He lived a short life, but a full one. He will be dearly missed by many. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Markʼs memory to Emerson Fire Department, 146 Thomas Ave., Emerson, NJ 07630, or Rescue Dogs Rock (rescuedogsrock.org).
Gary J. REKUCKI
Gary James Rekucki, 64, of the Township of Washington, formerly of Teaneck, passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home on March 9, 2022. Beloved husband of Marianne Rekucki. Devoted father of Dylan Rekucki and Luke Rekucki of the Township of Washington. Cherished son of the late Walter and Marion Rekucki of Teaneck. Dear brother of Bart Rekucki of Ridgewood, Susan Houck of Ellicott City, Maryland, Carol Rekucki of Englewood, and Laura Collins of Gaithersburg, Maryland. Loving uncle of Bart, Tucker, Jack, Kelly, Will, Olivia, Grace, Billy, Jamie, Antoinette, John, Nick, and Andrew. Gary earned his B.S and M.B.A.
from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Locally, he was a proud supporter of Westwood High School football and lacrosse, and a parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Township of Washington. He loved outdoor adventure and enjoying his family at home. He took great pride in his yard and hosting family pool parties. His storytelling, great humor, and hearty laughter made him an instant friend to all he met. Gary enjoyed car restoration and was an avid collector of antique British cars. His mechanical ability won the admiration and respect of all. Prior to retirement, Gary had a finance management career at Pan Am, Sony, Warner Communications, and Bio Reference Labs. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate your generosity to St. Jude Childrenʼs Hospital and/or the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research.
Frances A. GALVIN
Frances A. Galvin, 89, of Cedar Crest in Pompton Plains, formerly of Montvale, died on Sunday, March 13, 2022. Frances is survived by her loving husband, Donald, her daughters, Grace Galvin and Nancy Sierra, son-in-law Joseph Buono, and her grandchildren, Joshua, Deborah, and Adam Eike. She is also survived by her siblings, Dorothy and Thomas, and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Matthew and Edward. Committal service was at the Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah. In lieu of flowers, donations in Francesʼ memory can be made to the Matheny Medical and Educational Center, P.O. Box 339, Peapack, NJ 07977.
Frank A. CONNELL
Frank A. Connell Jr., 89, of Woodcliff Lake, passed into eternal life on Monday, March 14, 2022. Devoted father of Nancy Gacek and Brian Connell and his wife, Linda. Dear brother of Joan Connell, Rev. John Andrew Connell, and Carol Lampert. Loving grandfather of Sarah Gacek and Billy and Brianna Connell. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Agnes Connell, and his grandson, Brendon Gacek, both in 2003. For 41 years Frank was the president of Frank Connell Associates Inc., supplying Brandt coin and currency handling equipment to the financial industry. He graduated from St. Johnʼs University and served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1962. In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted for De La Salle Brothers, 810 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738.
