16 minute read
OBITUARIES
Catherine A. HASTIE
Catherine A. Hastie, 88, of Park Ridge, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on Feb. 24, 2022 after a brief illness. Catherine was the daughter of James and Anna Barnes. Raised in Paterson, she graduated valedictorian from St. Josephʼs High School. Catherine served as a civilian employee for the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s. Catherine lived in Park Ridge for more than 50 years with her husband of 66 years, Donald K. Hastie.
She is survived by her loving husband, Donald, her children Kenneth (Barbara) and Thomas (Elizabeth), beloved grandchildren TJ and Caitlin, brother James Barnes, sister Martha Ela, dear friend Marge Buesser, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Catherine was fiercely loyal to her family and friends and was everyoneʼs best confidant. She had tremendous fashion sense, a wonderfully dry wit, quick mind, impish sense of fun, and loved all kinds of music, but most especially Irish music. She was proud of her family, Paterson roots, and her Irish heritage. Catherine will be remembered for her kindness, consideration of others, and love.
In Catherineʼs memory, consider making a donation to your favorite charity.
Michael HOUSMAN Michael Housman, 79, of Bayville, formerly of River Vale, passed away Feb. 18, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Hempstead, N.Y., the son of Ralph and Elizabeth Housman. As the youngest of eight, he grew up in Orangeburg, N.Y. with his two brothers, Ralph and Donald, and five sisters, Betty, Lois, Barbara, Joan, and Sally.
He was the devoted husband of Delores Ackley, raising their three children, Michael, Audra and Renee, in River Vale. He cherished his three grandchildren, Sarah Housman, Elizabeth and Megan LaFrance.
He owned Emerson Auto Body. After retiring from the auto body industry, he spent the last 10 years at Hartell Plumbing, in Pearl River. He enjoyed the last seven years with his wife in Bayville. He was a man of many talents and enjoyed fishing, crabbing, boating and NASCAR. He truly was one of a kind and will be dearly missed by all.
James A.
TUM SUDEN
James A. Tum Suden, 68, pool shark, known to many as “Jimmy Gringo,” passed on Feb. 20, 2022, surrounded by his family. Jim grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. He graduated from Midwood High School, then went on to Kingsborough Community College. He worked for 25 years at Key Food Warehouse in Brooklyn.
Jim is survived by his wife of almost 39 years, Ellen Tum Suden (née Nestor). Jim had two beautiful children, Daniel James Tum Suden and Jane Mary Mauthe. Jane recently married and the family gained a new member, Christopher Mauthe.
Jim was the son of the late Arthur and Loretta Tum Suden. He recently lost his younger brother, John, and is survived by his two sisters, Anne Greene and Jean Heaney. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-laws, many nieces and nephews who adored him, his mother-in-law, Mary Keogh, and his aunt, Sister Rosemary Kane (who are expected to outlive everyone).
Jim greeted you with “Hey, Babe” or “Hey, Kid.” He loved fast cars, motorcycles, and fishing, but most of all he loved shooting pool. He started playing in the basement of his family home at 13. Billiards was his game. He joined a couple of leagues and played in Rockland County.
Jim and his family moved to Hillsdale in 1997 and he grew to love Hillsdale almost as much as Brooklyn.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to the North Shore Animal League.
Donald
SCHOLTES
Donald Scholtes, 75, of River Vale, formerly of Emerson, passed away peacefully on Feb. 23, 2022. Donald graduated from the LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts then found his true calling on the other side of the camera. Donald began as a cameraman and eventually became a Senior Audio Engineer for ABC Sports and worked on many shows like Monday Night Football, ABC News, the Olympics, the Kentucky Derby and Live Aid. He was honored with four Emmy awards for his exceptional audio expertise.
He also served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War and was awarded a Purple Heart when he was wounded in combat. Donald dedicated his retirement to helping other veterans and was a past president of the DAV where he loved to volunteer his services for many years. He was also a proud member of the VFW.
Donald is survived by his
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beloved wife, Arlene, their children, Nicole and her husband Matt and Jonni and her husband Marty, as well as their six grandchildren, Christopher and Nicholas Priore and Jacob, Jackson, Nathaniel and Sophia Shannon. Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by his family and grandchildren whom he loved to spend time with.
Donations in Donʼs memory can be made to VFW Post #1429, 650 American Legion Drive, Teaneck, NJ 07666.
Margaret
BLESSING
Margaret Mary “Peggy” Blessing, 97, of Allendale, formerly of Westwood and Palisades Park, passed away on Feb. 24, 2022. Born in Englewood to the late Gerald and Margaret Blessing. Peggy is survived by her sister, Helene Cowling, and predeceased by her brother, Gerald Blessing.
Adored aunt of Gineen (Donald) Weiss, Denise (Gary) Conkling, Richard (Lisa) Cowling, and Thomas (JoAnn) Cowling. Greataunt of Eric (Janice), Anders and Lauren Weiss, Margot (Thomas) March, Chelsea and Brett Conkling, and Richard, Nicholas, Michael and Kathryn Cowling. Great-great-aunt of Tessa and Veronica DʼArcy and Jolie March. Survived by cousins and friends.
Peggy was a beloved member of her extended family. Her kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit will be sorely missed.
Peggy attended grammar school to junior high in Palisades Park and graduated from Leonia High School. She worked for Equitable Life Insurance in New York City for 40 years before retiring.
Peggy was a member of Saint Michaelʼs Church of Palisades Park for 74 years and served as a CCD teacher, CYO advisor, president of the parish council, a eucharistic minister, and a member of the Altar Society and Rosary Society. Peggy was more recently a member of Saint Andrewʼs Church in Westwood and a member of the 50-Plus Club. She was also a member of Senior Fellowship of Westwood.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Sisters of Saint Joseph Chestnut Hill, Mount Saint Joseph Convent, 9701 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118-2694 (ssjphila.org).
Anna MAY
Anna May of the Township of Washington, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and friend, passed away on Feb. 26, 2022. In her final days, she was surrounded by family in the comfort of her home.
Anna was born in Teaneck in 1935 and grew up in Englewood with Irish immigrant parents, Molly and Paddy Carr, and sisters Maureen and Patsy. Treasured memories of Englewood included growing up with cousins, aunts and uncles, and making life-long friends at Saint Cecilia School. She was an enthusiastic member of all the reunion planning committees. Prior to marrying, her adventurous side took her traveling across Europe with best friends, beginning the two-month journey with a transatlantic cruise.
She met her love, Jim May, while working together. They married in 1961 and after a few years in Teaneck, made their home in the Township of Washington. They were married for 51 years before Jim passed away in 2012. They were comically total opposites that made for a great and lasting partnership. Their Beech Street neighborhood was a wonderful, warm, friendly place where families became forever friends and not just neighbors. Annaʼs warmth and inviting nature was a big part of that dynamic for the adults and kids alike.
Anna and Jim welcomed three children and were later blessed with six grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren whom she adored and loved spending time with. She was affectionately called either Grandma Anna or Grandma May.
Vacation memories with Grandma and Grandpa are a fun topic of conversation that is always told with love and laughter. Anna loved big celebrations or just sitting around the dining room table, taking time to slow down, tell stories and just be together.
Anna was a witty, bright and beautiful soul and will be greatly missed by her children, Eileen Wilson and her husband John, Patricia May, and Michael May and his wife Lissette. Anna was the loving grandmother of John Patrick Wilson, Peter Wilson and his wife Jennifer, Meghan Wilson, Tommy May, and Ryan May, and great-grandmother of Patrick Wilson and James Wilson. She was predeceased by her husband Jim, sisters Maureen and Patsy, and her granddaughter, Emmeline Wilson.
Interment was at Cemetery of the Ascension, Airmont, N.Y.
Jeanne LAZELLE
Jeanne Lazelle, 89, of Park Ridge passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 surrounded by her loving family.
Preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Warren, and her daughter, Patty. Devoted mother of Glenn and Diane and her husband, Gary. Cherished grandmother of Jennifer and Michelle. Jeanne is survived by a brother, Edmund (Rue) Abdelhak,
FROM PAGE 2
played at the event.
If you want to support the Pascack Historical Societyʼs mission, the best way to do so is to become a member, as I am. Membership is available at different levels and is the main way the society funds their work to preserve our shared history.
Please take a moment to visit their website at pascackhistoricalsociety.org to get involved. The pandemic has impacted their fundraising abilities in the same way many other organizations have be hurt and they do important work and I urge all of our residents to support them.
MayorKeith Misciagna Park Ridge
This orginially appeared in an email to residents
A belated but heartfelt thank you
To the editor:
WETHANKOURFRIENDS at Our Lady of Victory, Pascack Bible Church, Hillsdale Post Office, Emerson Girl Scouts, Pascack Valley High School Honor Society, American Legion Post 162 and all those in the Pascack Valley area who donated in any way to help provide a happier holiday season for those in need in our community.
Your hard work and generosity during the holidays enabled us to provide gift baskets and gift cards for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
We truly live in a wonderful community.
To volunteer or otherwise support our efforts please write Hillsdale Helping Hillsdale Inc, P.O. Box 1, Hillsdale, NJ 07642.
Many blessings,
Kathie Elgert, Hillsdale Local Assistance Board, and
Hillsdale Helping Hillsdale
Ambulance crews need volunteers
To the editor:
“HEROES NEEDED: What if no one answered the call? Letʼs not find out.” Every town I drive through has notices about the need for ambulance corps/EMS volunteers. I just saw the one above in Washington Township. It reminded me that my daughter would not be alive today if the volunteer ambulance team had not been working. She and my husband were in a major automobile accident —had the ambulance not been there in a matter of minutes she would have died. I know my situation is not unique. Any one of us at any time may need these heroes!
I understand there is a bill pending to provide additional financial support to the ambulance corps/EMS groups. That is wonderful! But what they really need is volunteers. Please consider serving! It is a commitment but not an overwhelming one. You will learn, aid, save and truly make a difference.
Elizabeth Morley Westwood
Obituaries:
FROM PAGE 38
and sisters Eleanor Cochran and Mae (Will) Smith.
Born in Brooklyn in 1932, as a young girl Jeanne and her family moved to Park Ridge. She graduated from Park Ridge High School in 1950 and went on to Albion College to study English, later transferring to the University of New Hampshire. Jeanne met Warren while teaching high school in Springfield, Vermont. They were married in 1958 and moved to Park Ridge.
Jeanneʼs first love was for Warren and her children. She enjoyed cooking, specializing in Syrian dishes, and always made sure everyone was well fed. As a lifelong active member of the United Methodist Church in Park Ridge, she created and presented childrenʼs time during services, as well as the annual Womanʼs Christmas Services.
Jeanne was involved with the CROP charity walk from its beginning for nearly 40 years, along with numerous charity organizations involving food and clothing.
She also enjoyed reading, poetry, hand-writing notes to friends and family, swimming, canning peaches, painting, traveling (including memorable visits to California, Bermuda, Bahamas, England/France, a 50th anniversary trip to Las Vegas, Mexico, cruises, Foxwoods Resort Casino, and Vermont) and, of course, her kitty cats.
Celebration of life service will be at Park Ridge United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 2, at 11 a.m. Reception follows the church immediately after (Jeanne would insist you stay and eat). Syrian food and more will be served.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jeanne may be made to UMC of Park Ridge, 130 Berthoud St., Park Ridge, NJ 07656.
John R. TROAST
John “Bud” Robert Troast, 100, of Westwood, passed away peacefully on Feb. 19, 2022.
He was born in Lodi on Aug. 22, 1921, and resided in Westwood for 92 years. He graduated from Westwood High School in 1939.
John married the love of his life, Ruth Schow, in 1942, the same year he joined the United States Navy. He proudly served in World War II as a cook on several submarines before his honorable discharge as a petty officer first class.
John was a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service in Westwood for 26 years and served in the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years. He was an honorary chief of the department.
John wasa member of the Community Church in Harrington Park and enjoyed gardening in his spare time.
Caring father to Jane Long and her husband, John, of Westwood. Cherished grandfather of Erin Boland and her husband, Terence, and loving great-grandfather to John and Claire Boland, all of Wilmington, Massachusetts.
He will be greatly missed by his family.
John was predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years, Ruth, as well as his daughters, Beverly Troast and baby girl Troast, his parents, two sisters and one brother.
Memorial contributions can be made in Johnʼs name to the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Fund, 93 Center Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675.
To the editor: I WASSERIOUSLY troubled after reading your Feb. 28 front page story “Mayor boots kidsʼ reader: Says police objected; diversity, inclusion volunteers seek apology.” [Montvale] Mayor Ghassaliʼs actions are cause for alarm and should raise red flags and ring alarm bells for all concerned citizens of the Pascack Valley. Laws around the country are being passed to ban books exploring racial and social issues. After Mayor Ghassali bans the “objectionable reader” will his next step be to arbitrarily ban books where he finds an objectionable phrase or sentence?
His action to silence Mr. Ware-Hill based on one frame in a Peabody Award-winning animated film is a direct attack on democracy in our own neighborhood. Our local officials are the front line of our democracy and as responsible citizens we must be vigilant to protect our ideals at the local level. Silencing Mr. Ware-Hill from reading a Coretta Scott King Award-winning book was an unconscionable action by Mayor Ghassali. The mayor blamed community members and the PBA local 303 as motivation to cancel the event. It is comforting to note that the PBA was never contacted, and had no knowledge of the event and publicly supported Mr. Ware-Hillʼs participation in community events.
When an elected official of the Pascack valley does not tell the truth and uses cancel culture arbitrarily to further institutional racism, it prevents our children from learning and the ideals of democracy are threatened.
Ironically, Mayor Ghassali told residents that “Mr. WareHillʼs participation would be an unnecessary distraction from what would be an otherwise noncontroversial childrenʼs story time event.” Yet he created a controversial event of his own making, exposing his bias and narrowmindedness and abuse of power.
An apology is not enough. Mayor Ghassali should be held accountable.
Teela Banker Woodcliff Lake
Questioning Hillsdale spending
To the editor:
HILLSDALEʼS GOVERNMENT
has been wracked by a war of words between our mayor and his fellow Republicans on Borough Council. Those arguments revolve around Borough Councilʼs plans to build a costly community center and install artificial turf on Centennial Field. In addition, the Council has already expanded garbage collection to twice weekly.
How would these projects be financed? By raising property taxes by a whopping 5.3%, of course. And by imposing a 13% budget cut on the public library. Cutting the library? Seriously? Good schools and good libraries are prime assets making a town attractive to prospective residents. That cut has led to the elimination of a youth services librarian, a rather essential position during a time when so much misinformation is available on the internet. It sends a bad message about our values.
This council needs to take a good, hard look at its priorities. Do the benefits of the two capital projects justify their costs? Are there less costly alternatives? And please reduce or roll back the property tax increase, restore library funding, and stop the spats with the mayor. We need good schools, a first-rate library with a broad range of services, and civility in Hillsdale. It can be done.
Harold B. Shill Hillsdale
ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY IN THE PASCACK PRESS.
Dorothy
DESANDRE
Dorothy DeSandre, 98, of Hillsdale, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022.
Beloved wife of the late B.H. DeSandre. Cherished mother of Denise Winkler and her husband Rick. Treasured grandma of Casey and Amanda. Loving great-grandma of Bradon. Dorothy is also predeceased by her three sisters.
Interment was at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dorothyʼs name to the Hillsdale United Methodist Church, 349 Hillsdale Ave., Hillsdale, NJ 07642.
MONTVALE
Fitness challenge March 1 – June 30
Mayor Michael Ghassali has challenged residents to join together to help shed 1,000 total pounds, assisted by gym owners, trainers, and Zumba dancers and instructors. He says this yearʼs mayorʼs fitness challenge, March 1 – June 30, will be mutually beneficial for local businesses and residents to get into better health overall.
Saying “Eat well, move well, relax well, and manage well,”the challenge webpage invites you to “Join our journey to improving our Montvale communityʼs health and wellness, while exercising, meeting and making new friends.”
It adds, “This new, exciting community-based program is led by professional trainers and doctors, and will help us overcome the stress and anxiety of the pandemic while achieving our own individual goals.”
The challenge will be tailored to meet the needs of the participants, so mark your interests on the registration
GHASSALI
ation program, administered by a Special Events Committee and director. The committee offers a broad, diversified program of events, the highlight of which is an annual Day in the Park celebration held in September. Recreational programs including pickleball, golf, tennis, volleyball, basketball, yoga and tai chi, among others, are offered year round to kids and adults.
The borough has four parks encompassing 32 acres. The park facilities include two playgrounds along with courts and fields that allow for tennis, basketball, baseball, football, roller hockey, pickleball, softball, and soccer.
