OBITUARIES

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Emily Sailer scored her 100th career goal.

“Iʼm so happy I achieved this milestone because it has been a big goal of mine,” Sailer told Dylan Cochin of the Trailblazer. “However, I would not have been able to score my 100th goal without my amazing teammates and extremely supportive coaches.”

PH coach Lindsey Jachens said that Sailer was unable to play lacrosse her freshman year due to the pandemic, so Sailer is only playing in her second high school season.

“We are so incredibly proud of Emily for reaching this milestone,” Jachens said. “Scoring 100 goals in two seasons is an impressive feat. This accomplishment is symbolic of all of the hard work Emily has put into lacrosse since she first picked up the sport.”

Boys bring it

Bucco said senior captains Joseph DelGrande (127 faceoffs won) and four-year starter Billy Gold helped tremendously on faceoffs and on the defensive side of the ball.

Junior John Stewart was named 1st Team All-League and led the way offensively with 39 goals and 34 assists, and took on an increased role this year. Senior Brendan Kelley, who was PHʼs leading scorer a year ago and missed this season due to injury, so more of the onus fell on Stewart to produce.

The team received meaningful contributions from its freshman class, as CJ Driver and Michael Weaver combined for 53 goals and 37 assists.

Bucco lauded seniors Gianni DelForno, Connor Carlson, Ryan Feder, Nick Priore, Connor Hughes, Anthony Rotella, Garret Wynne, Steven Valko and Cole Tansky as integral contributors.

In net, senior goalie Ryan Giammanco posted a breakout season as well, holding opponents to under six goals a game and amassing 215 saves while earning a First Team All-League selection.

Bucco said, “Itʼs tough to mention just some of the guys on this team, because they all deserve recognition.” But he singled out: •Junior midfielder Mark Espinosa (17 goals, 20 ground balls), “someone we relied on all season long on both sides of the ball.” •Sophomore midfielder Ryan Davis (16 goals, nine assists and 25 grounballs), Bucco called Davis “probably our most talented midfielder.” • Sophomore Gabe Crandall (21 ground balls), who “handled our long stick midfielder position all season and was someone we relied on heavily.” • Junior defender Chris Bonanno (team-leading 54 ground balls), sophomore Zack Groves (three goals, 12 ground balls) and freshman Connor Ohnikian (six goals, 30 groundballs) “who all played hard and were all ground ball machines.”

Bucco said he expects the boysʼprogram to continue its winning ways next year despite numerous players set to graduate.

“Iʼm hoping this type of success motivates our guys to really put in a great off-season of training and we come back next year and win the first ever title in program history,” Bucco said.

He added, “We have all the pieces and the talent to accomplish this. We want to win a league title and then move up to the next level of competition and start climbing that ladder.”

Salvatore P. CAVERA

Salvatore P. Cavera, 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 20, 2022. Salvatore was predeceased by his loving wife Lydia; his parents Calogero and Lena; his brothers Tony, Charles and Sam as well as his best friend through life, Charles Keith. He is survived by his three children, Laurie Fink, Richard and Sally Cavera and Carl and Joanne Cavera; along with his six grandchildren, Andrew, Samantha, Tyler, Joseph, Veronica, and Robert.

Salvatore was born on Dec. 4, 1929 in Bronx, NY where he graduated from William Howard Taft High School. He was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War, 1951–1953, stationed at the 13th Engineer Combat Battalion.

In 1956, he married the love of his life, Lydia Mazzella, and they moved to Township of Washington.

Throughout his career as a film and video editor, he worked for Hearst Metrotone News, ABC Sports, Childrenʼs Television Workshop and “3-2-1 Contact.”

He was the recipient of three Academy Awards: two at ABC Sports for Outstanding Sports Programming at the Summer Olympics (1976) and Winter Olympics (1980) and one at “3-21 Contact” for Outstanding Film Editing. Salvatore loved nothing more than spending time with his family and will be greatly missed.

The family received guests at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood, on Tuesday, May 24. A celebration of Salvatore's life and faith was held Wednesday, May 25. Entombment at Garden of Memories, 300 Soldier Hill Road. Township of Washington.

Robert J. CIRILLO

Robert J. Cirillo, 88, born in the Bronx, N.Y., son of the late Ralph and Helen, passed away on Friday, May 20, 2022. Robert is survived by his wonderful wife of 61 years, Elisabeth; his only sister Edith McGee; his sons Michael (Liz), Steven (Brenda; his daughter Diane (Rich); his grandchildren Cortney (Robert), Kristi, Andrew, Brett and Rebecca as well as his nephews John and Jim McGee.

He graduated from Fordham University in 1956 and was drafted into the U.S. Army. Robert spent 1956-1958 on the Danube River in Germany, helping guard the Czech border at the height of the Cold War. He served his country honorably and received a Gold Conduct Medal, yet our government does not consider him a veteran.

After the Army, Robert earned an M.A. from Columbia University and became a teacher; spending most of his 35 years as a 7th and 8th grade math teacher. He received his second M.A. from William Paterson University.

Robert was a world-class trivia champ, having won prize contests, games and money. He was a member of MENSA,

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He loved playing cards and enjoyed teaching all card games to his children and grandchildren. He thoroughly enjoyed travelling with Ellie all over the world and especially loved the Alpine countries, where his fluency in German helped.

He will be missed by his family. Memorial contributions can be made in Robertʼs name to the St. Labre Indian School at stlabre.org/ways-to-give. “By supporting St. Labre, you will have a lasting impact on the Native American boys and girls who are depending on us for the first-class education that will lift them out of poverty.”

George ZURICH

George Zurich, 94, of Montvale, longtime River Vale resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 7, 2022 with his loving wife, Barbara, of 66 years and family at his side. George was born in New York City in March 1928 to parents Jack and Matija Zurich who emigrated from Croatia in the early 1900s. The youngest of three children, George was raised in Valley Stream, Long Island attending Central High School before earning a degree from Adelphi College in 1952.

He began his career in the mailroom at CBS Television Network, New York City during the early days of television, spending his entire 37 years at CBS, retiring as vice president of affiliate relations in 1989.

Retiring from CBS, George found a second passion selling wine and spirits for Leonard Kreusch Inc. for the next 13 years. He met the love of his life, Barbara (nee Runge), at CBS in the early fifties, married in 1956, and moved to River Vale in 1960.

George and Barbara raised Elizabeth, George (Lorrie Anderson), James (Linda Catalano), Robert, and Carol (John Kreusch). George welcomed 11 loving grandchildren and recently three greatgrandchildren over the past 35 years. He cherished time with his family, especially the many summers in Beach Haven and the family vacation home in Schroon Lake, N.Y.

He enjoyed his retirement, taying active playing golf, coaching and especially supporting the many wonderful sporting events his children and grandchildren participated in over the years.

Lawrence H. MORGAN

Lawrence Harlan Morgan, 92, passed away on May 21, 2022. Born in Englewood, Larry grew up in Montvale and graduated from Park Ridge High School as the president of his class in 1948. He enlisted for three years in the United States Marine Corps and served 13 months in a combat engineer company in Korea during the height of the Korean Conflict. Larry received a BS in health and physical education (honors) from East Stroudsburg State Teachers College.

While in college he met his future wife, of 50 years, Janet Kolb and they married at the start of their senior year. Larry spent a year in Athens, Ohio as a graduate assistant at Ohio University and received an M. Ed. in secondary school administration.

Larry and Janet moved to Park Ridge. He took a job as a physical education teacher and football and track coach at the junior school in Tenafly. After four years of teaching, he became vice principal of the Tenafly Middle School, a position he continued in for the next 31

The Park Ridge Fire Department recently held its 96th Annual Chiefs Dinner, the first after a two-year hiatus due to Covid. This year organizers honored past Chief Thomas Derienzo for his service as Chief of Department, 2017–2019.

In addition, they honored 50year members William I. Diedtrich and Joseph Mauro.

There were numerous other service awards given as well.

The firefighters pictured represent 330 years of service to the Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department. Among them are William I. Diedtrich, James R. Babcock, Joseph Mauro and John Hansen who have each given at least 50 years of dedicated service, and are past chiefs of the department.

Also pictured is Clint Miller, a past chief of the Montvale Fire Department, and Walter Geppner, a 60-year member of the Park Ridge Fire Department.

The volunteer fire service has

Obits:

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years, retiring in 1994.

He lost Janet in 2007 but is survived by his four children. His daughter Lori and her husband Paul Celluzzi, of Marco Island, Fla. and granddaughters Sarah and Rachel Haman. His daughter Debbie and her husband Stephen Wilkowski, of Whippany and grandson Paul Wilkowski. His son Donald and his wife Dawn Morgan, of Park Ridge, and granddaughter Ava Morgan. His son Jeffery Morgan of Park Ridge.

A lifelong Methodist, one of his favorite quotes is from John Wesley: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as you ever can.”

There will be a private burial in Pennsylvania and a memorial service at the Park Ridge United Methodist Church on June 18 at 1 p.m. Contributions can be made in Larryʼs name to the Park Ridge United Methodist Church or any veterans organization. Arrangements by Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc., Park Ridge.

Donald M. LONDAHL-SMIDT

Lt. Col. Donald M. LondahlSmidt, USAF (Ret) of Montvale, NJ passed away on May 17, 2022. Born on October 9, 1933 in Mount Vernon, N.Y. Don was raised in Queens, N.Y. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier High School in New York City, the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. with a bachelor of science in political science and the University of Delaware with a master of arts in history.

Don served for 28 years as an officer in the United States Air Force, 12 years on active duty and 16 in the Reserves, retiring in 1983 as a lieutenant colonel.

Donʼs decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, AF Longevity Service Award with four oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Reserve Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

During his civilian business career, Don was a vice president at Chemical Bank and a first vice president of National Community Bank of NJ.

Don was a Revolutionary War military and naval historian, specializing in the Hessian and other German troops who served with the British forces in North America. He authored “German Troops in the American Revolution (1) Hessen-Cassel” and many other articles. He presented numerous lectures at historical societies, Revolutionary War roundtables, libraries and other venues.

Don also served on the board of the Montvale Library from its inception in 1975 until his retirement in 2020.

By far, the greatest achievement and joy of Donʼs life was his almost 58-year marriage to his beautiful wife, Janet. Together they enjoyed many years of love, laughter, fun and travel with family and friends.

Don is survived by daughters Kristin Frensley (Michael) and Ilona Staples (Mark), son Kenneth (Caroline), granddaughters Samantha, Allison and Natalia, grandson Nicholas, great-granddaughter Grace, brother Paul, and numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Janet, his parents Lauritz and Eleanor and his sister Kaaren.

The family will welcome visitors at Don and Janetʼs home (174 Upper Saddle River Road, Montvale) on Friday, June 3 from 3 to 8 p.m. to share memories of Don.

A funeral Mass with full military honors will be celebrated on Saturday, June 4 at 11:15 a.m. at Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Donʼs name to the American Cancer Society or the Montvale Free Public Library. Arrangements by Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc., Park Ridge. rsfhi.com. become a family affair in Park Ridge, thanks in part to the efforts of these fifty year members. Two generations of Babcocks, and three generations of both Diedtrichs and Mauros have served; three of the Diedtrich family and two of the Mauros are past chiefs.

— Pascack Press

Left to right: William I.Diedtrich,Clint Miller,James R.Babcock,Joseph Mauro,John Hansen and Walter Geppner. Photo courtesy Howard Kent, PRFD honorary member.

EMERSON

Chamber’s Third Annual Car Show June 18

Save the date for the Emerson Chamber of Commerceʼs Third Annual Car Show. Proceeds support local charities and Emerson High School scholarships.

The event is June 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stop and Shop parking lot, Kinderkamack Road.

Classic and exotic cars, trucks, and motorcycles are welcome. All makes and models. Trophies in all classes.

Spectators: Adults, $5; under 12 free. Car registration: $20 pre-registration, $25 day of show, $50 vendor spots.

Chamber president Giovanni Mazzei told Pascack Press on April 22, “The three platinum sponsorships have been taken by Richʼs Automotive Specialist, Liberty Subaru and Valley Body & Fender. The Emerson Dairy Queen has also generously taken a gold sponsorship. Again, we are so grateful for the businesses and the community.”

Mazzei added, “We continue to work out the logistics, and are planning a May meeting as we speak. There are a lot of people working behind the scenes and there is a strong partnership developing between The Emerson Borough and Chamber. Thank you Mayor Danielle DiPaola and Councilwoman Jill McGuire for helping us movetogether in lockstep. We are so strong working together to benefit our community!”

For more information and vendor spots visit Emerson Chamber of Commerce on Facebook or call Giovanni Mazzei at (201) 248-6193, Dan OʼBrien at (201) 376-6496, or Laura Lichult at (201) 785-6661.