The Verona Public Library lost a true friend last week with the passing of Jerry Caprio. We asked our retired director, Jim Thomas, to share a few words about Mr. Caprio’s many years of service and dedication to the Library:

“Gerald T. Caprio, a founding member of the Friends of the Verona Public Library, died on October 3, 2014. Mr. Caprio, or Jerry as he was known, was a member of the original committee that organized the Friends group in 1982, and worked on the first Friends book sale during the same year.

Over the decades, Jerry became a mainstay of the annual sale, and would tirelessly unpack and sort boxes and crates of books to prepare for the event. Although some of the books were old and in questionable condition, he considered them all treasures, and took great delight in getting books into the hands of customers, especially children. Along with the bargains, people enjoyed his cheerful conversation and outgoing personality. He made the annual sale a pleasure for everyone.

Jerry always gave teachers special consideration, and insisted that when the sale was over, all remaining books were free to educators. Many classroom libraries were created or enhanced with book sale leftovers, including the former Children’s Residential Center in Cedar Grove, which Jerry developed himself.

His artistic abilities were also put to good use by the Friends of the Library. Jerry became the resident sign maker and flyer designer for the group, and could often be seen carrying his green canvas bag of art supplies to and from the library.

As a president of the Verona Historical Society, he cooperated with the library in enhancing the Verona archives. He was instrumental in filling in some gaps in the library’s collection of Verona High School yearbooks, and enjoyed speculating on the origins of the Verona “hillbilly.”

An active participant in local government, Jerry attended so many Town Council and Board of Education meetings, that his name and address are forever embedded in our memories. When not speaking at the podium at a public forum, Jerry could often be found sitting in the periodical section of the library with his companion Josephine, where he could read about history and art, and be totally immersed in the books he loved so much, in the library he worked so hard to support.”

–Our condolences to his daughters, Theresa and Cynthia, and to his companion Josephine. We’ll miss you, Jerry.

Mr. Vincent Frazzano died on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at the Mountainside Hospital in Glen Ridge. He was 59 years old.

Visiting will be in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Saturday, November 15, from 1 to 3 p.m., with a service to be held at 2:45 p.m.

Born in Orange, Mr. Frazzano grew up in Verona and lived in Long Valley prior to returning to Verona. He graduated from Verona High School in 1974 and was a clerk in retail food stores, last working for ShopRite.

He was predeceased by his father, Salvatore and is survived by his mother, Anna (nee Corrao) Frazzano, his brothers, Anthony Frazzano, Frank Frazzano (and his wife, Maureen) and his sisters, Rita Frazzano, Anne Marie Grasso (and her husband, Gary). He is also the uncle of Frankie Frazzano, Jay Frazzano, Amanda Knight and Collin Knight.

David O. Oster, a life-long resident of Verona, passed away at Mountainside Hospital on November 11, 2014. The son of Arvid and Maja Oster, immigrants from Varmland, Sweden, David was born at Mountainside on December 11, 1924. His father built the house on Hillside Avenue where David was raised.

David attended Verona public schools and was a student at Verona High School at the outbreak of World War II. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during his senior year, and left for basic and specialized training as soon as graduation requirements were completed. He was later assigned to the 8th Air Force–305th Bombardment Group based in Chelveston, England. David proudly served as tech sergeant and chief radio operator on a B-17 “Flying Fortress”, completing a full tour of combat missions over Nazi Germany. In the midst of war, it gave David comfort that his squadron was assigned to bombing bridges, railroads and industrial sites, rather than civilian targets. Following combat duties he was reassigned to a U.S. base, where he was engaged in classified air navigation exercises until the conclusion of the war.

Following discharge David entered the construction business with his father. He also began to work part-time at the Robin Hood Inn restaurant in Clifton, where he met his future wife, Theresa Harder, at a Christmas party. Married in July 1948, David and Theresa would enjoy 66 years of marriage without a serious argument. David eventually made his career in the restaurant business, becoming general manager of the Robin Hood, and later, director of operations at The Manor in West Orange. He retired at age 85, loving his work and the the people he worked with. His guiding principle was “Always do the right thing”. Many who knew him can attest that he did.

David spent many happy summer vacations at Martha’s Vineyard with special friends Doris and Harry Knowles and their sons Wade and Kurt. He was famous for his clam chowder, clams casino and Swedish pancakes. In later years he delighted in annual trips to Cape May with his grandchildren. His sense of humor was legendary.

David is survived by his wife Theresa, son David W. and his wife Dianne of Verona, son Glenn and his wife Linda of Crumpler, N.C., and most cherished grandchildren David A. and Christina Oster. He felt blessed to have wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins both here and in Sweden. David had a special bond with niece Virginia Brennan of Morristown. He was “Uncle Dave” to generations of young people, not technically related, who he loved as family.

The Army Air Corps Song, which his family knew from earliest days, includes the line “Keep the wings level and true!” Throughout David’s long life, he maintained the right course with honor and integrity. He kept the wings level and true.

David’s family is most appreciative of the care given to him in recent weeks by the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mountainside Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Verona Rescue Squad with its wonderful and capable volunteers.

Visitors may call at Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Friday, November 14. Hours will be 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A private service will be held on Saturday.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!

Mrs. Josephine Zichella, 93, died on November 26, 2014 in Glen Ridge. A funeral mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Verona on Thursday, December 4 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 Lacedonia, Italy, Mrs. Zichella came to Verona NJ in 1958. Mrs. Zichella was a daily communicant at Our Lady of Our Lake Church.

She was the wife of the late Vincent Zichella, the mother of Louis, Philip, Joseph, Bridget Mezik, Phyllis Mayhue, Joanne Zichella and the sister of the late Antonio. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations to the American Cancer Society.

Mrs. Eva Mae Gould, 93, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2014 in Toms River. Visiting will be in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Tuesday, December 2 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., with a service to be held at 11:30.

Born in Columbia, S.C., Mrs. Gould lived in Verona and Buena, N.J. prior to moving to Brick in 2011. She was a sales associate at the Pilgrim Gift & Card Store in Verona for over 25 years, retiring in 1987.

Mrs. Gould was formerly a member of the Verona Woman’s Club and enjoyed gardening. She was an avid golfer who played the game she loved well into her eighties.

She was the wife of the late Norman H. Gould, the mother of Norma Nixon (and her husband, Gary), Mona Dunsavage (and her husband, Ronald) and Jaye Rolli (and her husband, Michael). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Gary Nixon, Kimberly Gelin, Daniel Rolli, Mallory Bruno, Michael Rolli, 4 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Alcoeur Gardens at Toms River Holiday Fund, 315 Mt. Laurel Road, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 or Compassionate Care Hospice, 1130 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753 would be appreciated.

Mrs. Agnes J. Neri, 89, died on Nov. 29, 2014. A funeral mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Verona on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Born in Danford, Kent, England, Mrs. Neri came to the U.S. in 1946 and lived in Union before moving to Verona in 1981.

Mrs. Neri was in the Women’s Land Army in England during World War II, and met her husband while he was stationed in Swindon with the U.S. Army Air Corps.

She is the beloved wife of the late Charles F. Neri, the loving mother of Agnes Wojtal (and her husband, Peter), Cheryl Neri (and her husband, Clive Smith) and Joanne Nesi (and her husband, Andrew). Mrs. Neri was also the beloved grandmother of Peter, Paul and Mary Wojtal, Rebecca and Emily Nesi, and is also survived by many nieces and nephews in England.

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

Doris Virginia Kearcher Erickson passed away peacefully with her family by her side in Beverly, Mass. on November 4, 2014. She was 88 years old. Doris was born on February 4, 1926 in Orange, N.J.

Mrs. Erickson married her husband, Carl Fredrick Erickson, in 1948. They were married for 59 years before he passed away in 2008. Both were active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Verona. Doris was involved in many volunteer activities in the community, including 16 years of service with the Interfaith Hospitality Network for homeless families, teaching Sunday school and assisting children and families in need. She also enjoyed restoring antiques and baking. In her younger years, she was an equestrian.

Doris proudly volunteered her time at Hospice of West Essex (formerly Family Service of West Essex) for over 25 years.

She is survived by her three children Peter, Paul and Pamela, as well as their spouses Candace, Susan and Robert. She is also survived by her three grandchildren Elizabeth, Hollis and Christopher, along with their spouses Jeffrey, Matthew and Victoria, and one great granddaughter.

A memorial service will be held in the spring at the First Presbyterian Church in Verona. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in her name to the First Presbyterian Church of Verona, 10 Fairview Avenue, for family programs or Hospice of West Essex.

Mr. Don R. Boeck, 88, died on November 22 in Pompton Plains. A memorial service will be held in the First Congregational Church of Verona, 19 Church Street on Saturday, December 13, at 11:30 a.m.

Born in Chicago, Mr. Boeck grew up in South Orange and graduated from Columbia High School. Three weeks after graduation he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably during World War II. Upon his return, Mr. Boeck lived in Chatham prior to moving to Verona where he lived for 47 years before retiring to Pompton Plains in 2006.

He earned a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University in 1950. Mr. Boeck worked for Wallace and Tiernan in Belleville for 39 years as a Product Service Manager before retiring in 1989.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Verona and served as financial secretary, treasurer, council member, property committee member and choir member. Upon retirement he became a member of the Dun Workin’ Club of Montclair, Verona Park Conservancy and the Garden Club at Cedar Crest Village.

Mr. Boeck is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Janet Boeck, his beloved daughter, Donna McGinley and her husband Daniel and loving grandchildren Megan and Sean McGinley.

He is also survived by his brothers-in-law David Boland and Ernest DiMaria, nephews Mark DiMaria (Pam) and Peter DiMaria (Jean) and niece Diane Vervoort (Frank) and grandnephews Steven and Nicholas DiMaria. He was predeceased by his parents, Franklin and Marguerite Boeck and his sister, Marguerite DiMaria.

If desired, memorial donations to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, 400 Morris Ave. Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Philip R. Blanche, 96, of Clifton, formerly of Verona, passed away on Dec. 4, 2014. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, at 9 a.m. at Shook’s Cedar Grove Funeral Home, 486 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove., N.J. Funeral Mass is at 10 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Cedar Grove. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, N.J. Memories and condolences may be shared at shookscedargrove.com.

Born in Newark, to the late Ralph and Jennie Blanche, Philip proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He lived in Verona for most of his life before moving to Clifton a year ago. He was a production manager for Worthington Pump Co. in Harrison, retiring in 1980.

He was a founder of the Unity Club, Verona, and a member of the VFW, Cedar Grove post, and the Verona Board of Adjustment for over 40 years.

Predeceased by his parents; sister, Sarah Alfano, and beloved wife, Marie (Carmiche), he is survived by his beloved daughters, Jeanne Mulieri, and her husband, Michael, and Phyllis Schaefer, and her beloved husband, Barry; loving grandchildren, Philip Mulieri (Alicia), Michele Castagna (Eugene), Kristin Giangerelli (Frank), and Tracy Dwarkha (Rohan); 10 cherished great-grandchildren; dear brothers, Alfonso ‘Nippy’ Blanche (Lilian), and Ralph Blanche, and many loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, Fla.

Florence Johnson Jacobson, 86, Naples FL, formerly of Spring Lake and Verona, died from complications of Parkinson’s Disease on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 in Naples, Fla.

Florence was a graduate of Montclair Kimberly Academy and Caldwell College. She received a master’s degree in gerontology from the Graduate School of the College of New Rochelle.

Florence was an intelligent, energetic and caring woman who enjoyed an active and busy life. As everyone knows, she was an avid Yankee fan her entire life. She also enjoyed golf and shot a spectacular hole in one in September, 2000, at Bel-Aire Golf Course in Spring Lake using a driver on the 14th hole. She loved retirement at the shore, especially with memories of her childhood in Spring Lake.

She worked in many ministries in the Archdiocese of Newark, including The Catholic Advocate newspaper, interfaith youth group, and hospice of Union County. She was an editor, lector and Eucharistic minister. She provided 35 years of dedicated service to Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Verona. Florence held leadership roles in Renew International, Cursillo, Pastoral Council, liturgy planning, Verona Interfaith Religious Council, and Family Life for which she developed programs for seniors.

Sudie, as she was known to family, was born on August 15, 1928 in North Bergen to Florence Endler Johnson and Rupert Harris Johnson. She is survived by brothers and sisters: Frances Furlong, Reverend Father Andrew Johnson, Charles (Ann) Johnson, Rupert (Maryellie) Johnson Jr., Bonnie Sacerdote and Suzanne (David) Razor; children: Susan (Pat) Forber, Jeffrey (Kathy) Jacobson, Mary (Lynn Gretkowski) Jacobson, Anne Pignatiello, and Elizabeth Jacobson; 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Florence was preceded in death by her son, Stephen Jacobson, sister Dorothy McGuire, sister-in-law Mary Ann Johnson, brothers-in-law Charles McGuire, Robert Furlong, Peter Sacerdote, and son-in-law Steven Bertucci.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 32 Lakeside Avenue, Verona, on Monday, December 15 at 10 a.m. The wake will be held at Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s
Association or HHSNE (Haiti) c/o Father John Martin, Monsignor Kelly Residence, 247
Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ, 07006.

Mrs. Mary (nee McNamara) Renzulli, 51, died on December 10, 2014 at her home in Verona. A Funeral Mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Verona on Saturday, December 13 at 12:30 p.m. Visiting in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Born in Montclair, Mrs. Renzulli grew up in Verona and lived in West Orange for 10 years prior to returning to Verona in 2005. Mary graduated from Verona High School and was formerly a CCD teacher at Our Lady of the Lake Church.

Mrs. Renzulli was the beloved wife of Kevin Renzulli, the loving mother of Amy Renzulli, the devoted daughter of Regina McNamara and the dear sister of Carl T. McNamara (Kathleen), John S. McNamara (Marianne), Stephen McNamara (Carmen), Maureen McNamara (fiancé Jeff Weber), Madeline McNamara, Paul McNamara (BethAnn), and Patricia Kiefer (Gregory). The loving daughter-in-law of Linda Tropean and the sister-in-law of Mark and Susan Renzulli. Mary was the adored aunt of Carl J. McNamara, Ryan McNamara, Jonathan McNamara, Rachel McNamara, Steven McNamara, Melissa McNamara, Patrick McNamara, Mikayla Kiefer and Catherine Kiefer. She was the beloved Godmother of Alyssa Merwin.

Mary will be greatly missed by all of her cherished lifelong friends new and old alike. She was predeceased by her father, John McNamara and her sister, Marguerite Rotella.

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

Jeffrey Bowman Cunningham, 60, of Ocean, N.J., passed away on Monday, December 15 after a brief illness.

A celebration of Jeffrey’s life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Verona, 10 Fairview Avenue, Verona on Friday, December 19 at 11 a.m.

Jeffrey grew up in Essex Fells and lived in Verona prior to moving to Ocean, where he established a successful electrical contracting business.

He was the owner of K & J Electric in Ocean County and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Jeff had a lifelong passion for sailing and was an avid fisherman. He was a loving and compassionate soul who adored spending time with family and his many friends.

Jeffrey is survived by his mother, Charlotte, and three children Christopher, Laura and Thomas; his brothers Scott and LTCOL Jon C. Cunningham, USMC (Ret). He also leaves behind many loving aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts in Jeffrey’s name can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Kurt Landsberger was recognized in 2010 by then Mayor Teena Schwartz for his work to save the environment in Verona.

Kurt Landsberger was born in Prague, grew up in Vienna, emigrated to the United States and built two successful businesses. With his first wife, Anny, who passed away in 2010, Landsberger also began building a legacy of service to others.

“Neither my wife nor I were interested in making money for money’s sake,” he told us in 2011. The Landsbergers devoted themselves to saving Verona’s environment, beginning with the so-called First Mountain, where Kip’s Castle sits, and expanding to Second Mountain, better known as the Hilltop, where a massive residential development had been planned. “I expected 80 people to come to the first Hilltop meeting, which was in my basement,” he recalled. “One-hundred-fifty showed up and many had to wait outside.” Both mountains are now largely parklands, and the vegetation at the Hilltop is being returned to what it was more than 100 years ago.

He wrote about those efforts, and many other things that interested him, from the prisoner of war camp where he served as a translator for German prisoners to Verona’s controversial effort to bus students up from Newark in 1967 after the riots there. He wrote about an uncle who was a noted chess player, and later donated the chess tables that have been permanently installed in Verona Park. The Landsbergers funded a memorial to Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who saved thousands of Hungarian Jews in World War II, by the bridge in Verona Park and a collection of works about the Holocaust at the Verona Public Library.

“Kurt never forgot the lessons he learned from being Jewish in the shadow of the Third Reich,” said Rabbi Aaron Kriegel, who knew Landsberger from Congregation Beth Ahm. “He dedicated much of his fortune to helping the disposed, many he had never met. He helped blacks in the South and in Newark. He funded a chess project in the ghettoes of this country so that the poor and disenfranchised could gain a sense of dignity, the dignity that was robbed from him before the war. He worked to bring children from Newark into the Verona school system, a project that ultimately failed, but for a time was the crowning achievement of the American Dream as expressed in Verona.”

“Kurt was a tough man who did not like to compromise with what he believed was the moral truth,” Kriegel added. “For that we all respected him.”

In 2010, Landsberger was recognized by then Mayor Teena Schwartz for his work to save Kip’s Castle and limit the development of the Hilltop. “Kurt was a great philanthropist, environmentalist, activist and leader,” she said Friday. “There are so many ways that he’s impacted our Verona community and well beyond. But for me, Kurt was an inspiration and a mentor. It was his article about the Hilltop in The New York Times that engaged the activist in me. His tenacious hold of his ideals and goals and his encouragement to be an advocate in the cause of saving our open space, preserving our environment and political involvement were motivating not just for me, but for many.”

“I feel blessed to have known Kurt,” she added. “I’ll miss him. His memory will always be an inspiration to speak out and work diligently for what is right, and what is just.”

Thanks to the foundation he created with his late first wife, Landsberger enabled more than 15,000 Essex County schoolchildren to visit the Environmental Center, which was developed under County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo. (Photo courtesy Glenn Frieson).

Landsberger inspired legions of environmentalists. His foundation made it possible for more than 15,000 Essex County schoolchildren to visit the county’s Environmental Center free of charge. “Kurt always had an eye for the long term and one of his great accomplishments was steering public sentiment and action towards recognizing the value of converting the immense Hilltop hospital grounds back to a green space,” said Geordie Smith, vice president of the non-profit Hilltop Conservancy. “He worked tirelessly with the Save the Mountain committee, both publicly and behind the scenes to ensure that generations to come would have a quiet island to enjoy. His last address in Verona, was an apartment in the Hilltop, looking north towards the new meadow and forests, happy in the knowledge that the Hilltop has been preserved forever.”

There will be graveside services for Landsberger on Monday, December 22 at 1:30 p.m. at the King Solomon Memorial Park in Clifton. There will be a service and reception to greet the family at Congregation Beth Ahm on Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. We will publish Landsberger’s official obituary as soon as it becomes available.

Mr. John P. Plath, 81, who was a kind, giving and loving person with a big heart died on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at his home in Verona. He was beloved by all his friends.

Services will be held in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Monday, December 22 at 12:30 p.m.
Visiting will be on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.

Born in Newark, Mr. Plath lived in Bloomfield prior to moving to Verona in 1981. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956 and graduated from Seton Hall University in 1963 with a degree in accounting. He was an accountant for 35 years at PSE&G in Newark, retiring in 1994.

Over the years many dogs, including Bunky, Eli, Lucky & Daisy enjoyed his company and companionship. He was the husband of the late Ruth Mallonee Plath.

Mrs. Maureen Grace O’Connor, 76, died Saturday, December 20, 2014 at her home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Verona. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 23, at the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Interment will be at the New Vernon Cemetery on Glen Alpin Road in Morristown.

Mrs. O’Connor was born in Buffalo and lived in Verona, Lexington, N.Y., and Palm City, Fla. She was a graduate of Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y.

Throughout her life she was a passionate advocate for children. She worked with many different organizations including the Light of the World Foundation, with which she traveled to Guatemala and Lithuania to work directly with children in need, in addition to the Hibiscus Children’s Center in Stuart, Fla. She also enjoyed helping to fulfill Christmas wishes for disadvantaged families in Florida and New Jersey.

Her passion for helping others continued with her support of new ventures such as the Tradition Medical Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla. She was member of the Harbour Ridge Club in Palm City and the Montclair Golf Club in West Orange.

Surviving are her beloved husband of 55 years, William R. O’Connor. She was the devoted mother to her six children: Daniel J. O’Connor of Ponte Vedre Beach, Fla.; Timothy V. O’Connor of Harding Township; Michael J. O’Connor of Essex Fells; William R. O’Connor, Jr. of Verona; John P. O’Connor of East Stroudsberg, Pa.; and Kathleen G. Olson (nee O’Connor) of Madison. She was the much-loved grandmother to thirteen grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Schutz.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

In 2014, we lost more than 60 people with ties to Verona. Many of those listed below were still living in town at the time of their death, often after decades of residence. A few had moved to other parts of the world, but their families and friends had asked that they be remembered as Veronans.

We invite you to reflect again on their lives, and what they brought to our community.

Michael A. Bartolo, 85
Grace Bauerle, 88
John F. “Jack” Bishop, 75
Agnes C. Blake, 92
Marie E. Bock, 87
Don R. Boeck, 88
Philip R. Blanche, 40-Year Board Of Adjustment Member
Louis Budz, Former Verona Music Teacher

Jerry Cafarella, 92
Jerry Caprio, Library Supporter
Lawrence J. Carr, 56
Adam David Casiere, 19
Janet Ciccolini, 75
Nancy Ciccone, 89
Enrico Harry Cocucci, 75
Jeffrey B. Cunningham, 60

Julius Dell’Olmo, 98
Richard Anthony DeMasi, Jr., 75
Lucy Edith D’Innocenzio, 93
Rachel DiPetta, 87
Catherine V. DiRoma, 67
Grace M. Dong, 95
James Collin Dong, Sr., 96
Thomas Edward Dooley, 86

Doris Erickson, 88

Steven Samuel Feldman, 46
James C. Ferguson, Jr., 84
Vincent Frazzano, 59
Eileen Frey, 94
Michael Frey, 95

Helen R. Gaeta, 92
Edward F. Gannon, 79
Eva Mae Gould, 93

Dolores N. Hull, 87

Florence Johnson Jacobson, 86

Thomas H. Kelch, 69
Rose Marie Luzzi Knapik, 76
Mildred Kregloski, 98

Kurt Landsberger, Civic And Environmental Leader
Vincenza Licitra, 83
Geza Liska, 80

Andrew M. Mau Jr., 90
Evelyn P. McCullough, First Presbyterian Parishioner
John S. McSeveney, 93

Agnes J. Neri, 89

Maureen Grace O’Connor, 76
David O. Oster, WWII Veteran

Gloria H. Pataky, 87
John P. Plath, 81
Alfonse Porcello, Jr., 62

Carol Anne Rembert, 74
Henry Rentschler, 72
Mary C. Renzulli, 51

Juliet Schill, 92, Former Crossing Guard
Donald C. Seeley, 86
Salvatore Serio, 92
Erik G. Shimonaski, 42
Gail Stivale, 74
Gregory Walker Swenson, 64
Jane Walker Swenson, 93

Theresa Triano
Claire A. Tomeo, Long-Time OLL Teacher

Eleanor R. Vallese, 90

Thomas Patrick Woods, 82

Laura J. Young, 65
Harry “Moose” Zaepfel, 73
Josephine Zichella, 93

Adam David Casiere, 19, passed away at home on December 31, 2014.

He was the loving son of Roseann Ford Casiere and Patrick Louis Casiere II, and the devoted brother of Maggie Casiere. He is also survived by his grandmother, Rita Casiere, many aunts, uncles, cousins and predeceased by his grandparents, David and Peggy Ford and Eugene Casiere.

Born in Newark, Adam lived in Hopatcong prior to moving to Verona in 2004. His contagious laughter and caring nature touched the lives of many. May Adam’s spirit fly free and may he finally find peace.

Visiting will be held at Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Sunday, January 4 from 1 to 4 pm, with a service to begin at 4 p.m.

Once upon a time, Verona children walked to school. By themselves. All the way. Their mothers–and yes, back in the day is was generally moms sending them off after breakfast–would bid goodbye at the front door and the children would walk to one of our four elementary schools. The same children would walk home at lunch, then back to school, before coming home again at the end of the school day. They got to school and back home safely, and their parents didn’t worry that they wouldn’t.

Children could do this because of crossing guards like Juliet Schill, who was for many years the guard at F.N. Brown on Grove Avenue.

She wasn’t my crossing guard when I was a kid, but I knew her and her family because they lived on the Laning side of town just like we did and she was what was then called the “lively arts” teacher at Laning.

When I moved back to town in 2003, however, Mrs. Schill was the crossing guard at the intersection of Newman Avenue, Otsego Road and Elk Road, a crazy crossing where guards, still to this day, often put themselves at risk for our kids. Despite it, Mrs. Schill had a smile for the kids every morning and afternoon–Verona was well past the days of sending kids home for lunch–and, perhaps more importantly, a pocket full of treats for our dog. No matter how late we were for the start of the school day, the dog would sit patiently at her feet and wait for his reward. She retired from being a crossing guard after breaking her wrist one winter and the dog was beside himself, and so were the rest of us.

Mrs. Schill’s son Karl Otto Schill let me know today that she passed away on December 8, 2014. She was 92. She didn’t want an obituary, so I’ll just say “thank you”.

Mrs. Virginia H. Wilson died at her home in Verona on January 3, 2015. A Funeral Mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Verona on Tuesday, January 7 at 10:30 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 and raised in Newark, Mrs. Wilson moved to Verona in 1971. She was a secretary for Sunoco at Port Newark for 20 years, retiring in 1975.

Mrs. Wilson was a volunteer at the Verona Service League and a communicant of Our Lady of the Lake Church.

She is survived by her husband, John J. ( Jack ) Wilson, her sister, Anna Walch and her brothers, Vincent D’Addio & Valentino D’Addio. She is also the beloved aunt of 14 nieces and nephews.

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

Jeffrey S. Huze, loving father, son and brother, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Born in Camden County on December 25, 1970, he was one of four children of Jeffrey and Dana. He graduated from Hunterdon Central High School and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT).

He was a devoted and incredibly proud father of his two sons. He was very involved in his sons’ sports and also an avid Giants, Rangers and Yankees fan.

He opened his heart to everyone he met and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Jeff was predeceased by his father, Jeffrey Arthur Huze, and his brother, Brett Michael Huze.

He is survived by his sons, Ryan and Jack Huze; his parents, Dana and Richard Long of Coudersport, Pa.; his grandmother, Muriel Blomquist of Whiting, N.J.; his sister, Jennifer Ferland (Aaron) of Fairhaven, Mass.; his sister, Lauren Huze (Tom Sturdevant) of Madison, N.J.; his niece, Kate Ferland; and his nephews, Luke Ferland, Wesley Sturdevant and Brett Sturdevant.

Jeff’s family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2015 at Burroughs, Kohr and Dangler Funeral Home 106 Main Street Madison, NJ 07940. A memorial service will be held at 6:30pm during the calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a trust for his two sons, Ryan and Jack. Please email Lauren Huze for more information.

For more information or to send condolences to the family please visit Martin Funeral Home.