Recent Obituaries
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JOANN EVELYN BRENDEL, 69, of Saddle Brook passed on June 6th, 2023. JoAnn was born in Hoboken and lived in Saddle Brook since the age of 2. JoAnn is pre-deceased by her parents, Harold T. Brendel Sr. and Virginia E. Brendel (nee Vanora), and her brother Harold T. Brendel Jr. JoAnn is survived by her brother Val Brendel and his wife Debra, and her sisters Carol Brendel and Virginia Taormina and her husband Ron. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great-grand nieces and nephews. JoAnn graduated from Saddle Brook High School (Class of 1971) and previously worked as a Customer Service Representative for Movado Group in Paramus. Prior to working at Movado, JoAnn worked for the Amloid Corporation in Saddle Brook and as a bank teller at Homestead Bank and First National Bank in Teaneck. JoAnn was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 3484 in Saddle Brook and American Legion Post 170 in Rochelle Park. JoAnn was very active with Saddle Brook community events and activities and spent many years volunteering as the Township Photographer. JoAnn also had a generous passion for baking cookies and would make and distribute holiday cookies throughout the community and to many she knew. JoAnn enjoyed going on cruises and especially loved Pina Coladas. JoAnn was a two-time cancer survivor and was a participant and supporter of Relay For life and other cancer survivor events. Funeral services from Kugler Funeral Home 311 Fifth Street, Saddle Brook, NJ. Visiting hours on Friday, June 9th from 3-8pm. Cremation private and placement of ashes in St. Mary's Cemetery in Saddle Brook. |
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JOHN JOSEPH VANDERBILT, age 85, of Ramsey NJ passed on May 24, 2023. John is the beloved husband of Virginia (Daley), loving father of Mona Vanderbilt, John & Kathleen Vanderbilt, Joseph & Tiffany Vanderbilt, James Vanderbilt, Jeff Vanderbilt, Timothy Vanderbilt, Virginia (Gini) Vanderbilt, Kayla Vanderbilt; grandfather of Barry Smith Jr, Joseph Vanderbilt II, Nikki Smith, Jessica Vanderbilt, Devon Warner, Sarah Martin, Logan Vanderbilt, Colton Vanderbilt and great-grandfather of Kylie Vanderbilt, Alexis Westerhoff, Aaron Westerhoff, Serenity Vanderbilt, Devon Warner Jr, Eden Vanderbilt, Hunter Vanderbilt, Michael Vanderbilt, Christiana Vanderbilt, Braelyn Smith, Barry Smith III, Timothy Vanderbilt, Barry Vanderbilt. John is also survived by brothers/sisters, David Daley, John & Lynn Daley, Helen Daley. Niece Loise Rakshys and nephew Robert Schultz John was born in Brooklyn NY, spending many days with his family at Wading River in Riverhead Long Island, residing in Ramsey NJ for 50 +years. John worked for Elk Warehouse as a Teamster in transportation and commerce. John loved to coach little league football & baseball, caring for his garden, taking walks, trying his luck with scratch offs and tinkering around the house. John was a veteran serving with the U.S. Army. Funeral services handled by Kugler Community Home For Funerals 311 Fifth Street Saddle Brook, NJ. Private cremation and burial in Calverton National Veterans Cemetery. |
JOSEPH WALTER KACMARCIK, age 97, of Saddle Brook passed on May 25, 2023. Joseph was the beloved husband of the late Eleanor (nee Simler), loving father of Mary-Ellen Butcher and the late Joseph Kacmarcik and father-in-law of Clair Kacmarcik. Dear grandfather of Niki-Lynn Butcher, Ryan Butcher, Laurie Barcia and Cheryl Nielsen. Joseph is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Carol and Pat, Ginger, Dawn, Michael, Tom and Rhonda, Larry and Marianne, Joey, and Annie and John. Joseph was born in Akron, Ohio and lived in Garfield, NJ before living most of his life in Saddle Brook, NJ. He owned and operated a Bar & Grill named the Triangle Bar & Grill in Elmwood Park, NJ for many years. Joseph also loved bowling and was real good at it. Joseph was a proud veteran serving with the U.S. Army during World War II and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. Joe was a life member of VFW Post 3484 and American Legion Post 415 in Saddle Brook. Funeral services from Kugler Community Home For Funerals, 311 Fifth St. Saddle Brook. Visiting hours on Tuesday May 30th from 4-8pm. Funeral mass on Wednesday May 31st 10am at St. Stanislaus Kostka RC Church in Garfield. Burial immediately following in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Saddle Brook. |
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DANIEL P. ROEDEMA, age 80, of Saddle Brook passed on Monday May 15, 2023. Daniel was the beloved husband of Barbara (nee Rodak) for 59 years, loving father of Daniel P. Roedema Jr. (and his wife Beth Ann Brown), Michael D. Roedema, and predeceased daughter Cheryl Ann Kahn. Dear grandfather of Barbara Chinchilla (and her husband Jordan), Stephanie Kahn, Kimberly and Danny Roedema, and great-grandfather to Jace and Bryce Chinchilla, and Dominic and Aubrey Pavao. Funeral services from Kugler Community Home For Funerals 311 Fifth Street Saddle Brook, NJ. Visiting hours on Thursday May 18, 2023 from 10am-12noon and prayer service to begin at 12 noon. Burial immediately following in St. Peter & Paul Orthodox Cemetery in Saddle Brook. |
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MARY ANN P. PICARDI, age 71, of Saddle Brook passed on May 11, 2023. Mary Ann is the beloved wife of Ralph Picardi, loving sister of Michael Sonn and his wife Joan, Steven Sonn and his wife Belvisa (Belle), Richard Sonn, Barbara, and Rosemary Sonn and her partner Joe, sister-in-law of Virginia Sonn, Gerry Picardi and Jane Povlow and her husband Larry. Mary Ann is also survived by her nephew Steven Michael, her nieces Maureen (and her husband Chris), Amanda (and her husband Nelson), Jessica (and her husband Derrington), Lauren, and Julia Leah. Also survived by her grandnephews Patrick and Jayden, and grandniece Kaylei. Mary Ann was predeceased by her father John J. Sonn Jr., her mother Julia Sonn and her brother John J. Sonn III. Mary Ann was born in Passaic and lived in Saddle Brook most of her life. She was a Customer Service Representative working at several large electronics corporations and was also an Admissions Officer at Fairleigh Dickinson University and Bergen Community College. After her retirement, Mary Ann worked as a part-time school aide at Saddle Brook, Fair Lawn and River Edge public schools. Mary Ann was also a Eucharistic Minister at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Saddle Brook. Funeral services will be held at Kugler Community Funeral Home 311 Fifth StreetSaddle Brook. Visiting hours on Tuesday May 16 from 4 to 8pm, with chapel prayer services to begin at 7pm. Cremation and placement of Mary Ann to her final resting place to be scheduled in the near future. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary Ann's name can be offered to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Saddle Brook Volunteer Ambulance Corps or Saddle Brook Volunteer Fire Department. |
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STEVEN “Reno” KALINOWSKI, age 62, a lifelong resident of Saddle Brook passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on April 21, 2023. Steven is the beloved husband of Darlene and father of Steven and Nicole. Loving son of Ann Kalinowski and the late Bernard A. Kalinowski (2005). Dear brother of Bernard Kalinowski, son-in-law of Olive DiZinno, brother-in-law of Lisa Ruggeri and her husband Robert, and Robert DiZinno. Loving uncle of Douglas and Jillian Kalinowski and Jordan and Joshua Ruggeri. Steven is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, co-workers and dear friends. Steven was an Information Technology Manager for Apollo Distributing Company, a floor covering distributor, of Fairfield, NJ. Prior to his position at Apollo, Steven worked at Hoboken Floors of Wayne, NJ. The pain in our hearts is unimaginable. The words come out and regardless of how positive and caring they may be, there is nothing that will ever describe what Steven accomplished in his life and what he did for what meant most to him. Steven was the most handsome, generous, kind, smart, athletic and loving husband to Darlene and father to Steven and Nicole. He was the best son to his beloved mom Ann. If he was with anyone at any given time, you may have heard nothing else other than how happy he was to be a beloved husband to Darlene and a loving father to Steven and Nicole. There would be no doubt about that. We were beyond blessed to have this. Steven was a great athlete in his day. He received this from his own dad and passed this on to Steven and Nicole. One of his greatest joys was to watch them compete on the field. He was beyond proud of all of their academic accomplishments through the years but most of all proud to be their dad. Steven was an avid sports fan. He loved the New York Yankees and his favorite sport was college football. He was a coach for Saddle Brook little League. Steven enjoyed the fall season of the year. Steven will be remembered as the person he always was. A true family man. He always, 110% of the time, put anyone’s needs above himself. He loved his family the only way he knew how. By working harder than anyone else and using his resources to make things happen. We knew he was tired when he got out of work, but he kept chipping away because that is what a true man does. He was never going to just give up when times were tough. He always knew how to get it done. And most importantly, he showed us love and affection in a way that only he can articulate. Reno’s way. Please take a moment for prayer and think of one thought that would make you smile and remember this man we all loved so very much. He is now a beautiful angel with wings. Funeral services and gathering from Kugler Community Home For Funerals 311 Fifth Street Saddle Brook. Visiting hours on Wednesday April 26th from 4-8 pm. Funeral Mass at St. Philip the Apostle Church 488 Saddle River Road Saddle Brook on Thursday April 27th 9:30 am. Committal service immediately following at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Paterson. |
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WAYNE WALTER PETZOLDT, age 69, of Fair Lawn, passed away on April 21, 2023. He is the beloved husband of the late Nina Meklenburg. Father of David & Olivia (wife) Petzoldt, Robert Petzoldt, Allison Petzoldt, Marc & Wayne was an employee of A&P for over 50 years. He enjoyed fishing at the Jersey shore with the love of his life, Nina. He was a top bowler with an average of over 200 for many years. Wayne will be buried with Nina so they may be together again. Wayne lived a quiet life dedicated to his family and friends. He will be missed by all of us who knew him. Visitation will be held at Kugler Funeral Home, 311 Fifth Street, Saddle Brook, N.J. on Tuesday April 25, 2023 from 9am-12pm. Interment in George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. |
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SHIRLEY M. TOMESCO, age 87 of Oakland, NJ and longtime resident of Garfield, NJ, peacefully passed away on April 19th 2023, surrounded by her adoring family.She was a devoted mother to Barbara Ross-Bowen (Robert), Cheryl Hanak, Diane Coniglio (Dave), Karen Fragale (John), Edward Tomesco (Doug), Steven Tomesco (Donna) and Janet Conti -Jurado (Joe). Shirley is survived by her dearest grandchildren, John Fragale III (Jennifer), Jenna O’Reilly (Bryan), Jessica Tomesco, Jennifer Casamento (Dane), Amanda Fragale (Anthony), Nicholas Lemba, Steven Tomesco, Nicole Merendino, Carly Tomesco and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her cherished daughter Shirley Ann Tomesco and darling grandson Erik Lemba. She leaves behind her dearest sister Louise Bott and was predeceased by sisters Joan and Joyce, and brother Robert. Shirley not only took pride in raising her own beautiful family, but in nurturing the students she taught for 25+ years at Margaret P. Muscarelle Child Development Center in Garfield. Shirley proudly served as the President of her housing association at the Belmont Gardens where she previously resided. Gathering and services will be provided by Kugler Community Home for Funerals: 311 Fifth Street, Saddle Brook on Friday, April 21st, 2023 from 4-9 PM. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Church in Pompton Lakes on Saturday at 9:30am. She will then be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Saddle Brook. |
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STANLEY J. PIRES, age 87, of Saddle Brook NJ, passed away on April 2, 2023. Beloved husband of the late Helen Pires. Loving father of Ken Pires and his wife Barbara, and Ronald Pires and his wife Patricia. Dear grandfather of Kenneth and his wife Chelsea, Christian and his wife Catherine, Matthew and his wife Nichole, Thomas, Jessica, Cloe-Lynn and Tiffany and great-grandfather to Taylor, PJ, and Jules. He also leaves behind his loving dog, Buddy. Stanley was an avid sports fan who loved to golf as well as garden. Funeral services from Kugler Community Home For Funerals, 311 Fifth Street Saddle Brook. Visiting hours at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 9am followed by a funeral mass at St. Philip the Apostle Church Saddle Brook at 11am. Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery, Saddle Brook. |
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EUGENE SENTE, age 58, of Lodi NJ, passed away on March 30, 2023. Eugene is the beloved husband of Kelly Sente (nee Sullivan.) Loving father of Michael Maguire, Jessica Dion, Angelica Sente, Tara Sente, and Shannon Sente. Dear brother of Chad and Stephen Sente. Eugene is also survived by his loving aunt Maryanne Anderson, his grandchildren Hayley and Aiden,father in law Joseph Pietrowicz as well as many other nieces and nephews. He is predeceased in life by his parents Stephen and Janine Sente, his siblings Joseph, Robert, Michelle and Anthony Sente and his nephew Anthony Alberti. Services from Kugler Community Home For Funerals, Saddle Brook NJ. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 2-4pm. |
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STELLA RUSIN (née Kapusta) passed away peacefully at home on March 21, 2023 at the age of 92. Stella was born in Poland, the daughter of Maria and Frank Kapusta, and came to the United States in 1948. She married Joseph Rusin in 1950 and they bought a home in Garfield N.J. where she lived until her passing. Before her retirement Stella worked as a quality control inspector at Electro Scan. Stella enjoyed giving away the babka, pierogi, gołąbki and Polish pastries she made, and the vegetables she grew in her garden to friends and family. She was a member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. Stella is survived by her sister Victoria Kmiec, her brother John Kapusta and his wife Barbara, her sister-in-law Patricia Kapusta and numerous nieces and nephews, who affectionately knew her as "Ciocia Stella." A Mass of Christian Burial took place on March 27th 2023 11am at St. Stanislaus Church. Burial immediately following in Saint Mary's Cemetery in Saddle Brook. Spoczywaj w pokoju (Rest in peace) |
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PAUL R. VOIGTLANDER, 75, of Garfield, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Paul was born on June 11, 1947 in San Francisco, CA and lived there until his family relocated to Glen Rock, NJ. After high school, Paul started working at the Nabisco company. A few years later, he began his 40 plus year career with New Jersey Transit as a bus operator. One day while driving his route in May of 1970, Paul picked up a special passenger and future wife, Maritza. After two short months of dating, they married. This past August they celebrated 52 years of marriage. Paul is the beloved husband of Maritza; loving father of Paul and his wife Laraine Voigtlander and Monica and her husband Jeffrey Ritkes; dear grandfather of Jared and Zachary Ritkes; brother of the late Jean Voigtlander; uncle of the late Lisa Canonico. He is also survived by his nephews, David and Steven Canonico and mother-in-law, Lily Fernandez. Paul was a kind man with a generous heart. He treasured spending time with his grandchildren, but before grandchildren, he loved going to casinos in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Paul also enjoyed keeping busy outdoors whether it was mowing the lawn, tending to a garden, grilling dinners, or feeding the birds. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 6-8 pm at Kugler Community Home for Funerals, 311 Fifth Street, Saddle Brook, NJ. Those planning an expression of sympathy in Paul’s name are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Association - ALZ.org. |
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KENNETH BOTCHO, age 84, of Toms River and formerly of Saddle Brook, passed away on February 16, 2023. Kenenth is the beloved husband of the late Joanne Botcho. He is the loving father of Darlene Sessa and her partner David Gummow, Denise Vitone and her husband Nick, and Kenneth Botcho and his wife Kristin. Dear grandfather of Daniel Sessa and his wife Jessica, Brianna Coleman and her husband Sean, Nicholas Vitone, Mark Sessa, John Vitone, Joseph Vitone, Samuel Botcho and Maximus Botcho and great-grandfather to Adeline Sessa. Ken is also survived by his brother Michael Botcho. Ken was a proud member of the U.S. Air Force. He worked for many years for the Bergen County Court House as a Sargent at Arms Officer. His hobbies were putting together beautiful fish tanks and taking pride in them. He also enjoyed buying the newest car out there every chance he could. He was fond of walking on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk, going out to eat, watching many hours of Tennis, tearing up the dance floor and most importantly, visiting and spending time with his children and grandchildren Services from Kugler Community Home For Funerals, Saddle Brook NJ. Visiting Hours will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from 4-8pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Philip the Apostle RCC in Saddle Brook on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 10am. Interment in SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, Saddle Brook NJ. |
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DIANE ROSE VONSEE - Beloved daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, partner and friend to many, Diana passed away on February 2nd, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. Diana was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by leading with love, kindness, and seeing the positive in each and every day. https://www.eriecitymission.org/ or https://www.ccalliance.org/donate/donate-for-research or |
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GRACE ETHELLE TRELLA (nee Mullis) age 97, of Rochelle Park NJ, passed away on January 24, 2023. Grace Ethelle was the beloved wife of the late Casimir John Trella. Loving mother of Joel Gregory Trella and his wife Barbara of Saddle Brook, and Jeffrey Trella and his wife Grace, of Canajoharie, NY. Loving grandmother of Christine Pollinger and her husband Benjamin, Joel D. Trella and his wife Denise and the late Kylie Trella. Adored great-grandmother of Nathaniel, Caroline, Catherine, Christian, Max and Violet. |
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AUDREY LISI (nee Iwanicki), age 66, of Lodi NJ, was called to God on January 22, 2023. Audrey is the beloved wife of 41 years to Giuseppe (Joe) Lisi. Loving mother to Christopher Lisi, Olivia Grabowski and her husband Kyle, and Juliana Lisi and her wife Mia. Audrey was also a soon to be grandmother to Olivia and Kyle’s baby girl on the way. Born in Hackensack, NJ to Robert and Julia Iwanicki, Audrey lived in Lodi with her two sisters who she is survived by, Marlene Azzolino and her husband Edward and Sharon Iwanicki. Audrey and her husband Giuseppe started out as high school sweethearts and built a beautiful life and family together. Together they enjoyed family vacations, dinners as a family, and most of all watching their children live the life they always wished to provide for them. Audrey’s true passion in life was being a mom to her three children. She was their rock and has left them with so many beautiful memories that they will forever cherish. One being her love for Christmas and the traditions that followed. Seeing others happy is what gave Audrey joy. Audrey dedicated her life to her students at the South Bergen Jointure Commission for 28 years. Her vibrant personality and love of teaching left a lasting impression on not only her students but anyone that she came across in the community. When Audrey became ill, her husband Giuseppe stayed by her side as a loyal caregiver and husband, and ensured she had the best life possible at home until the end. May her spirit live on- Always. Services from Kugler Community Home For Funerals, Saddle Brook NJ. Visiting hours at the funeral home on Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 3-8pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Lodi NJ on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 10am. Interment in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Lodi NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Audrey's name. |
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On Tuesday, January 12, 2023, Joyce M. Ebel, Loving Marine Wife to Edward Morgan Ebel, Mother to her loving Son Edward Thomas Ebel, and Sister to Diane and Thomas Uzzalino, sadly passed away at the age of sixty-five. Joy was also a loving pet mother as well to, Jazz, Darla and Jackson Marshall Wellington. Joy was a lifetime resident of the Township of Saddle Brook. Joy was known for her passion of being an Italian American and beloved Unico Member. Joy had a huge place in her heart for her friends and family. She loved her dialysis nurses, Yvonne, Shirly, Marita and Lucy. However the one who took up the most place in her heart was her beloved grandson Braxton. Joy would go beyond belief to assure Braxton was loved and had all he wanted and needed. Honorably, she was the first in the family to be able hold Braxton after he was born. Back in 1972, at Holy Trinity Church, is where Joy would meet the love of her life and future Husband, Edward M. Ebel. Although it was originally set-up as a blind date, that date would lead to forever more. Three years after that iconic day, Joy at the age of 18, and Ed, 19 and now a Marine, had gotten married. It is then they both picked up and moved to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. When Ed was discharged from the Corps, Joy and Ed moved back to Saddle Brook. An avid New York Mets fan, there was never a single minute missed during the season. Joyce was known as the color commentary of the family. Whether it was a home run or as simple as a base hit, Joy would scurry to her phone to let her loving Son, Sister, Brother and Husband know what had just occurred. Although sometimes frustrated with the result, Joyce would never give up on her team, she loved them dearly. Joyce was also known for her love for football and the Las Vegas Raiders. Her passion for the Silver and Black will forever reign in our hearts and memory. Joy’s love for music was remarkable. Whether it was classic rock or heavy metal, there was never a single moment that her favorite tunes weren’t blasting. Either in the car or at home, you can hear her music from miles away. Joyces favorite musical artist, Carlos Santana, was constantly being played wherever she went. She also enjoyed listen to bands such as Dokken, Led Zeppelin, Earth Wind and Fire, and Black Label Society, Joy’s passion of music was gifted to her son, Edward T. Ebel. Joy loved her son’s passion for music. She loved when he would play his guitar for her. If it wasn’t for her, there is no doubt that he would not be the guitarist he is today. Joyce really enjoyed her extended car rides with her loving husband through 7 Lakes Drive. Bear Mountain was one of her ideal places to go. She loved feeding the animals and catching the sounds of nature, sitting by the water and enjoying the beauty of the running streams. She had great times doing this. Joy truly enjoyed tuning into Yacht Rock on SiriusXM radio, jamming to tunes with her husband, dearest friends Marilyn and Joe Z, as they would all go to Monticello Casino. Gathering and funeral services for Joy will be held at Kugler Funeral Home 311 5th Street Saddle Brook, NJ Tel. (973) 478-2500. Visiting hours on Monday, January 23rd, 2023 from 4 to 8pm with prayer services to begin at 7pm. |
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JOSEPH DE LUCCIA, age 98, of Saddle Brook, passed away on January 5, 2023. Joseph served in World War II as a member of the U.S. Army 8th Air Force, 457th Bomb Group, 750th Squadron stationed at Glatton, England. He flew 32 bombing missions in a B-17Flying Fortress over France and Germany from June 18 to October 13, 1944. Joseph’s rank was Technical Sergeant, and he served in the Radio Operator and Gunner positions on the B-17. Although Joseph spoke little of his military service in the early part of his life, his service would come to dominate his thoughts and activities in his later years. Memories of the daily losses of his fellow airmen would bring him to tears when he finally opened up about his wartime experiences. Yet he felt extremely fortunate to be among the few Americans who survived so many missions in a B-17. Joseph in his later years located all the members of his crew who were still alive and visited them, regardless of where they lived in the U.S. Joseph was the last surviving member of his B-17 crew before he passed away. After his honorable discharge from the military, Joseph worked for several companies primarily in the areas of electronic design and testing until his retirement in 1986. He was a high achiever throughout his career, and he was particularly proud of the fact that many of the products he worked on were for U.S. military customers. He contributed to the national interest even as a civilian. In the latter years of his retirement Joseph became active in veteran groups and served both as a Director and Vice President of the 457th Bomb Group Association. While he was able to travel internationally, he participated in the biennial reunion of the 457th Bomb Group Association held in Peterborough, England, as well as the Madingley Memorial Ceremonies conducted at the Cambridge American Military Ceremony in Cambridge, England. Joseph regularly participated in local Memorial Day and Veterans Day events and served in 2013 as Grand Marshal of the Saddle Brook Memorial Day Parade. Joseph’s greatest passion in his later years was to give invited educational talks about his World War II experiences. He was very proud to have given over 50 such talks at libraries, high schools, colleges and before military groups, including two talks at West Point. Amazingly, Joseph gave his last such talk, entitled “Veterans Day Event: The Air Force in World War II with Joe De Luccia”, at a Haverstraw, NY library on November 1, 2022, about two months before his death. Joseph is survived by his son Frank Joseph De Luccia, son-in-law Bill O’Connell, daughter Marie Lukac, grandson Liam Riva-O’Connell, Liam’s mother Laura Riva, his nephew Emil and wife Mary Ann, their daughter Katelyn, and many other nieces and nephews. Joseph is also survived by his beloved and devoted companion of more than 30 years, Dolores Newman. Joseph and Dolores traveled to many beautiful places within the US to hike and indulge in their common passion for observing the wonders of nature. Joseph is also survived by his dear friends and neighbors Gregory and Tracey Surjadnov and their children, as well as Ines and Branko Radman, who looked after and helped Joseph on a regular basis, so that he always felt supported and comfortable living alone in his home. Joseph is also survived by his dear friend Rick Feingold. Joseph is predeceased by his wife Gilda De Luccia (nee Malizia), brother Emil De Luccia, sister Ida De Luccia, sister Angelina Barrychuck (nee De Luccia), father Francesco De Luccia, mother Teresa De Luccia (nee Vosa), and son-in-law Carl Lukac. Joseph’s wife Gilda’s untimely death came at the young age of 49 in 1973 after a long illness. In the years that followed,Joseph’s family life became bicoastal, as he frequently visited Frank and Bill at their home in California, and Frank and Bill frequently visited Joseph at his home in New Jersey. These visits often included local sightseeing trips, as well as international trips to Italy where Joseph was able to find relatives of his parents, who were born in Italy. Joseph and Dolores also celebrated Joseph’s beloved grandson Liam from his birth, joining milestone celebrations including his graduation from Mission Viejo High School, California, in 2011, as well as Liam’s graduation from Boston University in 2015. Similarly, Frank, Bill and their extended family would celebrate major birthday milestones for Joseph, which included a train trip across Eastern Canada for his 90th and a surprise dinner for his 95th that was attended by about 50 guests from both coasts. As Abraham Lincoln said, “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Joseph De Luccia was very fortunate to have lived both an amazing 98 years and to have filled those many years with so many extraordinary life experiences. A private service will be conducted at the time of Joseph’s inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery, planned for May 2023. Donations may be made to Families of World War II Veterans at https://www.familiesww2veterans.org/ and may be designated in memory of Joseph De Luccia. |
Kugler Community Home for Funerals, 311 5th , Street Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 973-478-2500