Louis J. Budz, 77, of Denville, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2014. Born April 28, 1937, he was the son of the late Stanley and Matilda (Tazik) Budz. Louis worked as a music teacher in the Verona School system for 26 years, he was an accomplished jazz musician and music played a very important part in his life.

He is survived by his wife, Judy (Ezzo) Budz, Denville, daughters Susan Alden of Tennessee, and Laura Budz of Colorado;sister Joan (Joe) Humphries, of California; brother Stanley Budz, of California; step-sons Rob (Kristina) Mauriello and Gregg (Kelly) Mauriello; and grandchildren Robert, Matthew, Luke, Emily and Ethan.

As per Louis’s wishes, all services will be private. Donations to St. Clare’s Behavioral Health Center, Attn: Lynne Chandler, 50 Morris Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834, are greatly appreciated.

What is this?

Marty Wilson and Joe Arminio, former students of Mr. Budz, are planning a tribute concert in late August. Contact them through Facebook, or watch for details on MyVeronaNJ.com.

Mr. Enrico Harry Cocucci, 75, died on July 10, 2014 at his home in Verona, NJ. A funeral mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Verona on Monday, July 14 at 10 a.m. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m.

Born and raised in Montclair, Mr. Cocucci moved to Verona in 1968. He worked in the Lamp Assembly Division of Westinghouse Corp. in Bloomfield for 29 years and then in the West Caldwell Water Department for 18 years before retiring in 2004. After he retired, Mr. Cocucci was the Crossing Guard at the corner of Otsego Road & Claremont Avenue in Verona for five years.

He was the husband of Susan (nee Snyder) Cocucci, the father of Mary Ann Beckman (and her husband, Fred), Linda Grasso and the brother of Linda Delp (and her husband, Gary). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Francine, Brianna, Danielle and his step-children, Thomas V. Merola and Gina Merola Hornlien.

What is this?

In lieu of flowers, donations to Atlantic Hospice would be appreciated.

Mrs. Vincenza Licitra, 83, died on July 16, 2014 at her home in Verona. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine of Siena Church, Cedar Grove, on Monday, July 21 at 10:30 am. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Sunday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m.

Born in the Bronx, Mrs. Licitra was raised in Sicily, Italy and returned to the U.S. in 1946, living in Bergen County before moving to Verona in 2003.

She is the beloved wife of Joseph Licitra, the loving mother of Salvatore Licitra (Laurette), Emanuele Licitra (Sharon) and Joseph Licitra, Jr. (Janet Russo).

She is also survived by her adored grandchildren, Jaime Sees and Allison Licitra; Nicholas and Giulia Licitra; Philip, Joseph and Carissa Licitra and her dear great-grandchildren, Olive Ann and Luca Joseph Sees.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Verona Rescue Squad, 12 Church Street, Verona, NJ 07044, would be appreciated.

Mrs. Catherine V. DiRoma, 67, died on August 5, 2014 at her home in Verona. A funeral mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Verona, on Saturday, August 9 at 10 a.m. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Born and raised in Montclair, Mrs. DiRoma moved to Verona in 1969. She was a bookkeeper at Computer Solutions Inc. in Branchburg for 15 years, retiring in 2007.

Mrs. DiRoma was predeceased by her husband, Frank A. DiRoma, her brother, Edward Devlin and her sister, Eileen Calia.

She is survived by her children, Dena M. O’Neill (and her husband, John), Christopher F. DiRoma, and her siblings, Suzanne Swanson, Thomas Devlin, George Devlin, Maryellen Joy, Isabelle Desposito, John Devlin, James Devlin, Patricia McCormick and Theresa McGee. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jack, Frank, Maile and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Verona Rescue Squad would be appreciated.

Gail Stivale, 74, of Las Vegas passed away peacefully on August 7, 2014. Gail, a former resident of Verona, was an executive assistant and worked in the newspaper and insurance industries, and was also passionate about playing the piano.

Born October 7, 1939 in New York City to Alfred and Charlotte Price, Gail was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Gail is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Robert, son Robert of Montclair, NJ; daughter Debra of Las Vegas; brother Philip and grandchildren Reagan and Reese. Donations may be made in Gail’s name to the American Cancer Society.

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Mr. Harry E. “Moose” Zaepfel, 73, died on August 24, 2014 in Livingston. A funeral mass will be offered in St. Aloysius Church, Caldwell on Thursday, August 28, at 1 p.m. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

Born in Newark, Mr. Zaepfel lived in Verona for 38 years prior to moving to Cedar Grove seven years ago.
He was the owner of Colonial Installation in Verona for 30 years and later worked for Able Gear and Machine Company in Rockaway for 13 years.

Mr. Zaepfel is survived by his beloved wife Judith (nee Dundon) Zaepfel, his loving daughter, Lorraine M. DiGeronimo and her husband Peter, his grandchildren Thomas and Kelly, and by his sister, Hilda Demish. Mr. Zaepfel was predeceased by his son, Mark.

He will be sorely missed by his faithful dog, Rex.

Mr. James C. Ferguson, Jr., 84, died on Friday, August 29, 2014 in Glen Ridge. A funeral mass will be offered in St. Aloysius Church, Caldwell on Thursday, September 4 at 10 a.m. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., both days.

Born in Montclair, Mr. Ferguson lived in Denver for 13 years and in Verona for 46 years prior to moving to North Caldwell in 2005.

He retired in 1990 as the chief engineer at Prudential Insurance in Roseland. Previously he was with Rheingold Brewery in Orange for 20 years.

Mr. Ferguson was a member since 1952 of Local 68 – Operating Engineers in West Caldwell and taught apprenticeship

training courses for many years.

What is this?

He was a Life Member and former Chief of the Verona Fire Department, a member of the Old Guard of Caldwell and a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 3632.

He was the husband for 64 years to Barbara (nee Jackson) Ferguson, the father of Richard E. Ferguson, Kenneth S. Ferguson, Robert W. Ferguson and the late James C. Ferguson, III. He is also survived by his sister Dolores Hugg and 6 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Verona Volunteer Fire Department would be appreciated.

Mr. John S. McSeveney, 93, died on August 28, 2014 at his home in Verona. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. Graveside Services will be held in the Glendale Cemetery, Bloomfield, on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

Born Schotts, Scotland, Mr. McSeveney came to the US in 1929 and moved to Verona, NJ in the 1940s. He was an operating engineer at the Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery in Newark for many years.

Mr. McSeveney was a sergeant in the Army Air Corps during WWII, serving in the Pacific.

Mr. McSeveney was predeceased by his wife, Bertha and his daughter Cynthia. He is survived by his son, John S. McSeveney, Jr. (and his wife, Judy) and his grandchildren, Brian, Kevin and Ashley.

What is this?

In lieu of flowers, donations to Verona Rescue Squad would be appreciated.

Mrs. Rachel (nee Petrizzo) DiPetta, 87, died on September 10, 2014. A funeral mass will be offered in St. Lucy’s Church, Newark on Saturday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm.

Born and raised in Jersey City, Mrs DiPetta lived in Newark prior to moving to Verona 51 years ago. She was a member of the Verona Senior Citizens Club.

Mrs. DiPetta was the beloved wife for 61 years of Peter S. DiPetta, the loving mother of Philip DiPetta (and his wife, Linda), Peter DiPetta and James DiPetta. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Angela DiPetta, Helene Mamazza, Janet Wisniowski, Stephanie O’Neill, 4 great-grandchildren, and her sisters, Rosalie Petrizzo and Jane Petrizzo. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and Anthony Petrizzo and her siblings, Ambrose, Martin, Anthony, Marie and Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Verona Rescue Squad or St. Lucy’s Church would be appreciated.

Mr. Geza (Gordon) Liska, 80, died on September 13, 2014 in Dover. Services will be held in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Thursday, September 18 at 10 a.m. Visiting on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

Born in Glen Ridge, Mr. Liska grew up in Roseland and moved to Verona in 1966.

He was an electrical sub-station repair operator for PSE&G in Irvington for 38 years prior to retiring in 1996. Mr. Liska was a Verona Little League Coach and a member of Bowling Leagues in Roseland and Verona.

He was the husband of the late Margaret (Peg) Liska, the father of Gordon (and his wife, Jeannie), Michael, Patrick (and his wife, Kristine), Daniel (and his wife, Cindy) and the brother of Johnny, William and Albert. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tara, Danielle, Renee, Michael, Kaitlyn, Brittany, Matthew, Brian and Jack.

What is this?

Memorial Donations to the Verona Rescue Squad or the Compassionate Care Hospice in Dover would be appreciated.

Mr. James Collin Dong, Sr., 96, died on September 18, 2014 at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ.

Services will be held in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Ave., Verona on Saturday, September 20 at 11:30 a.m. Visiting on Saturday from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Born on July 13, 1918 in Beverly, Mass., Mr. Dong lived in New York City before moving to Verona in 1951. While at Styvesant High School he played football but Boy Scouting and the pioneer world of flight were his passion. With degrees from Fordham University and New York University, Mr. Dong entered Stevens Institute of Technology, while employed by the John A. Millar Laboratory Associates Inc.,where he invented the “Observoscope” navigation device.

He married his childhood sweetheart, Grace, and then embarked on a 35-year career at Curtiss-Wright Corporation. While there he teamed under Werner Von Brann in the David and Goliath ICBM project, worked on the Wright Patterson AFB R’engineer projects, served as analysis manager of the submarine power plant at their facility, and on the X-19 crafts for the V/Tol Division.

The secret security requirements from Alein “Q”, “L” level-7 and DOD Command Authorization under the consent of use of classified materials prohibited Mr. Dong from vacationing outside the continental U.S., allowing him time to mentor youths as a BSA Troop 2 – Verona committeeperson and fulfill his lifelong Scout Promise – “to do his duty to God and country, help others and remain morally straight.”

What is this?

He was a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers and Society for Experienced Stress Analysts.

Mr. Dong was predeceased by his wife Grace M. Dong. He is survived by his sons, Robert, Fred and James, Jr. and his granddaughter, Stacey Miskell and great-granddaugher, Ivy.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Verona Rescue Squad would be appreciated.

Mr. John F. Bishop, 75, died on September 19, 2014 at his home in Verona. A funeral mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Verona on Tuesday, September 23 at 10 a.m. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

Born and raised in New Rochelle, N.Y., Jack attended Iona Prep. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Great Sitkin from 1962 to 1966. He lived in Mountain Lakes for 15 years before moving to Verona in 1986.

Jack worked for ITT as vice president of human resources for 18 years, retiring in 2000. Previously, he worked at Interpace Corporation in Parsippany for 11 years.

Jack was active in the Verona Lions Club (publicity chair), served as Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of the Lake Church and participated as a runner in the New York City and Philadelphia marathons. He was proud of achieving Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts and being father of an Eagle Scout – his son Patrick. He also enjoyed coaching all four of his children and teaching them to love baseball.

What is this?

Jack was the husband of Patricia (nee Gray), the father of Jack (and his wife, Lauren Chattman), Dana, Doug (and his wife, Beth Bloomberg) and Patrick J. Bishop and the brother of James (Jim) and Thomas Bishop. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rose, Eve, John and Ian Bishop, in-laws in the Gray, Morano and Lukach families and devoted friend Arthur Max.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Verona Lions Club or Children International would be appreciated.

Mrs. Marie E. Bock, 87, died on September 26, 2014 in East Stroudsburg, Pa. A funeral mass will be offered in St. Aloysius Church, Caldwell on Monday, September 29 at 10 a.m. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.

Born in Easton, PA, Mrs. Bock lived in Verona and West Caldwell prior moving to Kunkletown, Pa., five years ago. She was manager of the Customer Service Department of the Montgomery Ward Co. in Caldwell for many years. An avid bingo player, Marie also enjoyed cooking, baking and crocheting for her family and friends.

Marie was the wife of the late Ernest F. Bock, the mother of Ernest F. Bock, Jr. (and his wife, Sharon), William Bock (and his wife, Kimberly) and Steven Bock. She is also survived by 5 grandsons and 9 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice House of Monroe County HH, 502 VNA Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 would be appreciated.

Mr. Michael Frey, 95, died on September 28, 2014 at his home in Verona. A funeral mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Verona on Thursday, October 2 at 10 a.m. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Born in Harrisburg, Pa., Mr. Frey moved to Verona in 1920. Mr. Frey retired in 1984 as the chief deputy warden of the Essex County Corrections Center in North Caldwell and was a member of the NJ Wardens Association.

He was a WW II Veteran serving in the Navy from 1939 to 1951, attaining the rank of chief quartermaster. Mr. Frey was the recipient of several service medals and citations, including a medal from the former Soviet Union for destroyer service, escorting convoys on the perilous “Murmansk Run.” He was active in VFW Post 6255 in Cedar Grove, serving as deputy post commander, the American Legion and was a member of the Navy League, PT Boat Association and the Tin Can Sailors.

Mr. Frey was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake Church in Verona, serving as eucharistic minister, usher, and a member of the Fr. James Kelly Council of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a former president of the Giblin Association and formerly active with the Verona Sports Boosters and Verona Little League.

He is the husband of Eileen (nee McQuaid) Frey, the father of Maureen Ghali (and her husband, Edward), Kevin Frey, Brian Frey and Patrick Frey (and his wife, Melinda). He is also survived by three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Michael, his brother George and his sister Elizabeth.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Verona Rescue Squad would be appreciated.

Mr. Edward F. Gannon, 79, died on September 29, 2014 at his home in Sidney, N.Y. Visiting will be in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., with a funeral service to be held at 7 p.m.

Born in Glen Ridge, he was a lifelong resident of Verona, then moved to East Stroudsburg in 2002 and finally to Sidney, N.Y. in June 2014.

Mr. Gannon worked for the Verona Department of Public Works as a supervisor from 1972 until he retired in 2002. He was a member of the Verona Volunteer Fire Department from 1972 to 1987 and a member of the Verona Rescue Squad.
Mr. Gannon was a Korean War veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy from 1953 to 1961.

He is the father of Joseph Gannon (and his wife Lori), Pamela Calderone (and her husband Paul) and Michael Gannon (and his wife Theresa). He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and nephew Ned Korte. He was predeceased by his brother John Gannon and sisters Ruth Grieco and Dorothy Highton.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Verona Rescue Squad, Verona Fire Department or a veterans organization of your choice would be appreciated.

Ms. Gloria H. Pataky, 87, died on September 28, 2014 in Morris Township. A funeral mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Verona on Saturday, October 4 at 9:45 a.m. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Saturday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Born in Millburn, NJ, Ms. Pataky moved to Verona in 1940. She was an account executive with William H. Connolly Insurance in Montclair for many years.

Ms. Pataky was active in Our Lady of the Lake Church in Verona and was a long time volunteer and Eucharistic Minister at the Essex County Hospital Center (Overbrook) in Cedar Grove.

She was predeceased by her parents, Anton Thomas and Emma D. Pataky and her sister, Violet Pataky Sutula. She is survived by her niece, Kathy Sutula and cousins, Dorothy Oravetz, Paul Oravetz, Robert Oravetz and Margaret Parrino.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Endowment Trust of Our Lady of the Lake Church, 32 Lakeside Avenue, Verona NJ 07044 would be appreciated.

Mrs. Eleanor R. Vallese, 90, died on October 4, 2014 in Wayne. A funeral mass will be offered in Our Lady of Holy Angels Church, Little Falls, on Wednesday, October 8 at 1 p.m. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, () 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Born in Italy, Mrs. Vallese came to the U.S. when she was 19 years old and lived in Glen Ridge for 40 years prior to moving to Verona in 2000.

She and her late husband, Dr. Lucio Vallese, founded the Electrophysics Corp. in Nutley, where she also served as the controller for 40 years.

She is survived by her children, Rosamaria Vallese, Francesco Vallese (and his wife, Helene), her sister, Anna Maria Rubulotta and her grandchildren, Zachary and Arin.

Mrs. Frances M. Bibby, 94, died on October 4, 2014 in Bloomfield. Interment Services will be held in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, on Thursday, October 9 at 11 a.m.

Born in Orange, Mrs. Bibby grew up in West Orange and lived in Verona from 1953 to 2010, when she moved to Bloomfield. She was a bookkeeper at George Truitt & Co. in Newark.

Mrs. Bibby was the wife of the late David H. Bibby, the mother of David J. Bibby and the sister of the late William and Gustave Kopp.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Verona Rescue Squad would be appreciated.

Mr. Lawrence J. Carr, 56, died on October 10, 2014 in Hackensack. A funeral mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Verona on Wednesday, October 15 at 10 a.m. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Born in Kearny, Mr. Carr grew up in North Arlington and lived in West Caldwell prior to moving to Verona 28 years ago.

He was a sales rep in the North Jersey area for many years and could be found many weekends enjoying a game of golf. Mr. Carr graduated from William Paterson University and was a member of the TKE fraternity.

He is the beloved husband of Mary Jane (nee Kreil) Carr and the loving father of Lauren, Michelle and Colleen. He is also survived by his sister, Cathy Mulligan and his brother, Michael Carr and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Larry Carr Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship Fund, c/o Darcel Collins, 28 Brookside Terrace, Verona NJ 07044 would be appreciated.

Mrs. Eileen (nee McQuaid) Frey, 94, died peacefully on October 10, 2014 at her home in Verona. A funeral mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Verona on Tuesday, October 14 at 11 a.m. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Born in Bloomfield, she moved to Verona in 1947. Mrs. Frey and her late husband of 71 years, Michael (who died this past September 28) were both veterans of World War II. Eileen served in the Women’s Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1943 and is a former commander of the Women’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 6255 in Cedar Grove and a member of the American Legion in Caldwell.

She was a sergeant at the Essex County Corrections Center in North Caldwell for 22 years, retiring in 1984. Mrs. Frey was a member of PBA and the Fraternal Order of Police.

She was a member of the Women of Irish Heritage and the Giblin Association. Active in Our Lady of the Lake Church, she was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, served as an Eucharistic Minister and was a member of the Bethany Group as well as the Rosary Society. Her family, Catholic faith and Irish heritage were the cornerstones of her life.

Mrs. Frey was the mother of Maureen Ghali (and her husband, Edward), Kevin Frey (and his wife, Regina), Brian Frey and Patrick Frey (and his wife, Melinda). She is also survived by her three beloved grandchildren, Michelle Ghali (and her husband, Edward Roslak), Liam Frey and Dylan Frey. She was predeceased by her husband Michael, her son Michael, and her sisters Margaret McQuaid, Mary Callahan and Deric (Anna) Gallagher and her brothers, William & Robert McQuaid.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Verona Rescue Squad would be appreciated.