Ellafrits, Phyllis Marie (neeDeserio) 88, passed away on Aug. 22,2020 . Phyllis, affectionately known as “Polly” and “Po” by family and friends, was born May 18, 1932, in Hackensack, New Jersey, to Joseph Silvio and Maria (Frassa) DeSerio. Phyllis was one of their three children, along with older sister Grace and younger sister Muriel. One of Phyllis’ earliest memories was from 1934, when she won second place in a Shirley Temple look-alike contest held at a movie theater in Hackensack, and she had fond memories of attending several Frank Sinatra performances before he became well-known. After graduating Hackensack High School, Phyllis won a scholarship to attend Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in New York City, which led her to work for Hess Oil Company; the Republican Party; general attorney Walter Jones; Weinstein, Sturges, Odom and Bigger; and Payless Shoe Stores. She also served as a notary public.
In 1950, she married Joseph Rendeiro of New Jersey, and they had one child, Jo Ann Rendeiro, but the marriage ended in 1966. Phyllis became a single, working mother to provide all she could for Jo Ann. During Phyllis' first international vacation to Jamaica, she met her second husband, James Clair Ellafrits of Michigan, and moved to North Carolina with him after their August 1970 wedding.
In 1983, Phyllis and Jim gained custody of their only grandchild, Jessica (King) Fagin. Phyllis was a loving and attentive caregiver, whether it was making meals from scratch using family recipes, driving Jessica to numerous extracurricular activities, volunteering at her ballet school, or making sure Jessica received a quality and diverse education and religious upbringing. Phyllis was the “hostess with the mostess” for annual parties and family visits, and a supportive wife for her professional husband. Phyllis also helped to make sure her elderly relatives were taken care of when they needed assistance, and was by her daughter Jo Ann’s side when she lost her fight to cancer in 2001, as family was always number one in Phyllis’ heart.
Phyllis, Jim, and Jesssica moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1987, then Phyllis and Jim finally settled into retirement in Naples, Florida in 2009, with winters spent on her favorite island of Aruba. One of Phyllis' favorite activities was to travel, whether as close as the next state's beach or as far away as Australia, where she easily made new friends and pen pals. Jim and Phyllis showed their girls the world, and they are eternally grateful. In 2008, Phyllis was ecstatic to welcome her first great-grandchild, whom she considered to be a princess, then a second great-granddaughter four years later, for whom she became Godmother.
Phyllis' marriage vows were tested when Jim was diagnosed with a degenerative disease in 2000, but she stood by him and cared for him until her own physical and mental health made her unable to do so in 2013. Fortunately, she had caretakers in place assisting Jim, so she was immediately cared for as well. After Jim’s passing in 2018, Jessica moved Phyllis to Christian Care Center of Mesquite, Texas, where the family was able to visit and knew she was well cared for by their staff and the continuing oversight of Vitas Healthcare, until her body could no longer continue on August 22, 2020.
Phyllis will be remembered for her quick wit, sage advice, delicious cooking, fighting spirit, warm hugs, and love for her family. She is survived by her granddaughter Jessica (Stephen) Fagin of Texas, great-granddaughters Deanna and Melody Fagin of Texas, her nieces Lynne (Sauer) Walmach and Maria (Bruce) Dolywa of New Jersey, nephew Alan Sauer of Virginia, grand-nephews Daniel and Ryan Walmach of New Jersey, and numerous Ellafrits family members of Michigan, including Jim’s siblings Richard (Joan) Ellafrits, John (Becky) Ellafrits, Sharon Seys, Susan Brockschmidt, and their children and grandchildren. She now joins her sisters Grace DeSerio and Muriel Sauer, brothers-in-law Wade Seys and Al Sauer, daughter Jo Ann Rendeiro, husband James Ellafrits, and other loving relatives lost throughout the years.
A funeral Mass was held at Saint Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Garland, Texas, on Friday, August 28, 2020, officiated by Reverend Martin Mwang. Phyllis was laid to rest, along with the ashes of Jim and near other family members, at a mausoleum in Hackensack Cemetery in Hackensack, New Jersey, on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at 11 o’clock in the morning, officiated by a priest from Our Lady Queen of Peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Christian Care Center of Mesquite at https://christiancarecenters.org/cccs-general-donation/, and/or Vitas Healthcare at https://vitascommunityconnection.org/.
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KOPAC, Andrew Joseph, 73, of Hillsborough, NJ passed away peacefully on August 22, 2020. He was born in Hackensack, NJ on May 21, 1947. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 8 years, Nancy Gurney Kopac, whom he met when they were in first grade in Maywood, NJ. They went through elementary, Jr. high and high school together. He reconnected with Nancy in 2002 at a Bogota High School reunion. They were engaged from 2003 till 2012 when they married. Andy will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty and loving nature.
Andy, a Vietnam War veteran, is survived by his wife, Nancy Gurney Kopac, his sister, Marie Kopac Eitner, his son, Andrew Joseph Kopac, Jr. and his granddaughter, Aria Brianne Kopac. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Spacek Kopac, his father Andrew Sebastian Kopac his brother, James Kopac and his son Jeffrey Kopac.
Visitation was on Wednesday August 26, 2020 10:00am-1:00pm at the Trinka-Faustini Funeral Service 439 Maywood Ave. Maywood, NJ. A graveside service followed at 1:30pm at St. Mary's Cemetery Saddle Brook, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund 1235 South Clark Street, Suite 910 Arlington, VA 22202, would be appreciated.
Passarella, Kathleen, 91, passed to eternal life on August 18, 2020. Kay lived in Hackensack most of her life, and also in Palm City, FL for a number of years. Kay was an elementary school teacher in the Ridgefield Park school system for over 30 years. Beloved daughter of the late Frank and Nancy(grillo) Romano. Kay is predeceased by her husband, Michael Passarella, brothers Salvatore and Nicholas Romano, sisters Linda Minnella, Frances Romano, Marie Passarella, Rose Romano. She will be missed by her many loving nieces and nephews.
Visiting was Friday, August 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Trinka-Faustini Funeral Home, 439 Maywood Ave, Maywood. The funeral was on Saturday, August 22, arriving at funeral home 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Maywood. Entombment followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Saddle Brook, NJ.
Romano, Mary D. (nee D'Amico) 91, of Hackensack, NJ.
It is with a heavy heart, we announce passed away peacefully on August 9, 2020. The oldest of two children, Mary grew up in the Bronx, NY then married Robert J. Romano, Sr. The “two kids from the Bronx” moved to Maywood, and then Hackensack, where they raised three children. Mary enjoyed her years as a paralegal, working for Ronald L. Levine. What she enjoyed most was playing BINGO, her weekly games of MahJong with her friends, her card games at the Maywood Senior Center, and watching the birds and chasing the squirrels. She would never turn down a hand of Rummy or a shot of blackberry brandy. Her shore house located in Beach Haven West was her favorite getaway where she and Bob would go crabbing, take slow boat rides through the lagoons, sit on their deck to soak up the sun, and play even more BINGO. She was a member of the Rosary Society and the Maywood American Legion Auxiliary Post 142.
Mary was predeceased by her loving husband of sixty-three years and her sister, Jean Rocco. Her loving survivors include her children, Robert J. Romano, Jr. and his wife Patricia; Thomas C. Romano, and his wife, Mary; and Christine Romano-Arrabito, and her husband, Brian, and three grandchildren, Emily Rose Romano, Chelsea Herrmann, and Christopher Arrabito.
There was a private service at Trinka Faustini Funeral Home for immediate family only. Burial followed at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church. 410 Maywood Ave, Maywood, NJ 07607. Would be appreciated.
Trotter, Elizabeth R. (Betty), age 78, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, August 9th. She was a beloved wife of Francis Trotter, cherished mother of Laura Reynolds and late Francis Trotter Jr. (2007), beloved grandmother of Tarah & Michaela Reynolds and Sheyenne & Faith Trotter, sister to Gerry Rubin and Barbara Trento, and a loving friend to many. Elizabeth was known to have a caring and kind heart to family and friends. Her excellent photography skills have captured many cherished moments that will live on forever. In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society.
Peterson, Jessica C. (nee Busanich), age 68, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, July 24th, surrounded by her family. She was born April 29th 1952 in Jersey City, NJ. She is survived by her Husband Robert Peterson of 37 years, her children Eric Pawelec, Audrey Nagle, and Brittany Peterson, and grandchildren Caitlyn Pawelec, Sullivan Nagle, Declan Nagle, and Vera Nagle. Jessica loved spending time with her family & friends, enjoyed cooking, playing bingo, and taking trips to the beach. Throughout her life she displayed incredible resilience and strength especially during times of adversity. Her vibrant personality, humor, love and warmth will be greatly missed by all. Visitation was held Wednesday July 29th, 2020 from 1:00-3:00PM at the Trinka Faustini Funeral Service 439 Maywood Ave., Maywood, NJ. Cremation private. In Lieu of flowers donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St Jude Pl., Memphis TN 38105-9959, would be appreciated.
McMullen, Barbara Ann(nee Rowe), 94, of Maywood, formerly of Palisades Park, died on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Beloved wife of John (2009). Devoted mother of Deborah Vreeland of Oakland and Deirdre McMullen of Maywood. Loving grandmother of Romy Vreeland and her husband Sam Teigen of Hawthorne; Kelda and her husband Evan York of Bedford, NH; and great grandmother of Sylvie, Esme and Lincoln York. She was predeceased by her parents Marion and James Rowe and eight siblings.
Barbara was a member of the Woman's Club of Maywood, specifically the Drama Department for over 60 years and enjoyed activities at the Maywood Senior Center. She was a member of Memorial School's "Guest Reader Club" reading to 1st and 2nd grade classes. Barbara loved entertaining her family with stories of her youth. She had a flair for the dramatic and could keep you laughing with her "stand-up" witty conversation.
Visiting hours were on Sunday, January 3 from 3-7 pm with funeral service on Monday, January 4 at 10:30 am at Trinka-Faustini Funeral Home in Maywood. Interment followed at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. In lieu of flowers donations in Barbara's name can be made to Alzheimer's Foundation of America, alzfdn.org.
Morris, Barbara (nee Zuba) 66, of Maywood, passed away on December 24th, 2020. Loving wife of 43 years to Michael, cherished mother to three outstanding children, Stephen, Thomas and Heather. Devoted and caring grandmother to Quinn and Althea. Dear sister to Diane Fraone.
Barbara earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The School of Visual Arts in New York City. She was a talented illustrator, entrepreneur, painter, photographer, designer of clothing and an excellent seamstress.
She had online businesses that sold antique/vintage clothing and ribbon. Barbara had a passion for gardening, travel and fashion. She especially loved going to Hawaii, Las Vegas and Bar Harbor, Maine with her husband Mike. Barbara was a fantastic cook and hosted many family get togethers over the years She also enjoyed dining out and her palate ran the gamut from Thai to Falafel. She was active in Maywood Cub Pack 119 as a Den Mother and as a committee member.
Barbara was fun loving and had a great sense of humor. Her hearty and distinctive laugh always lit up the room.She loved animals and over the years had numerous fish, five guinea pigs, three cats and two dogs Barbara enjoyed music and playing her guitar. She was passionate about live music and always enjoyed watching her husband Mike play gigs with his band.
Funeral Service were on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 10:30am at The Trinka-Faustini Funeral Service 439 Maywood Ave., Maywood, NJ. Entombment followed in Holy Cross Mausoleum, North Arlington, NJ. Visitation was Wednesday December 30, 2020 from 4PM to 8PM.
FRANCO, Gloria (nee Giangrasso), 86, passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2020 of Paramus, NJ formally of Lakewood and Maywood, NJ. Gloria worked for the Maywood Public Schools as an Elementary Grade School Teacher for several years. She was also a Member of NJEA Teachers Association. Beloved wife of 58 years to the late Charles Franco(2016). Loving mother of Bob Franco and his wife Cathy, Rich Franco and his wife Sue and Steve Franco and his wife Kim and their dog Boo. Dear sister of Joan Pagano. Cherished grandmother of Jill Triebwasser and her husband Marc, Alli Gomes and her husband Dustin, Deane Franco and his wife Vianey and Andrea Franco and great granddaughter Millie
A Funeral Mass took place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 400 Maywood Ave, Maywood, NJ at 10 AM on Monday, Dec. 28,2020. Burial followed in George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.
A Virtual Wake for Gloria Franco took place on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020 from 3pm - 5pm (EST).
In lieu of flowers donations to the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (www.sficnj.org) in Gloria’s Memory
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Aversa, August D. "Gus", 74 of Hackensack formerly of Maywood passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020 due to Heart Failure complicated by the COVID-19 virus. He was a resident of Maywood for 38 years and of Hackensack since 2016.
He is survived by his Wife Ella/Cookie (Fazzalare) of 51 years. He was Dad to Elizabeth (Beth) Toth and her husband Scott A. Toth, August W. Aversa (Augie) Aversa and his Girlfriend, Victoria Tobin, Joseph A. Aversa (Joe) and his wife, Julie. He was a loving Papa to grandchildren; Abigail, Violet, Sophia and Scott Jr. Gus was a loving brother to Vincent F. Aversa and his wife, Charlotte; Sister MaryJo Aversa and several nieces and nephews. Gus was predeceased by his parents, the late Adelina and Frank Aversa from Detroit, MI and Brooklyn NY.
Gus retired from the AT&T Wireless Division in 2012 where he held the position of Statistical Analyst. He was active both in Cub Scouts Troop 119 and Boy Scout Troop 14 of Maywood, NJ and accompanied the boys to many camping trips. He was awarded The Catholic Council on Scouting’s St. George and Pelican awards. He was active serving his Parish family of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church Maywood as an usher, member of the Decorating Committee as well as the Carnival and Tricky Tray fundraisers. He also cooked and served meals to the homeless for the Human Concerns ministry. He was involved for many years with Maywood and Music, where he started out as a set builder and very quickly became a performer due to the late Tom Wright’s gentle persuasion. He performed as the Captain in “Titanic” and had a key singing and dancing roll in “Spamalot”. He was an active member of both American Legion Post No 142 and the Knights of Columbus Council 3426, where he was known as “Mr. Coffee” on convention weeks. He was a member of the team that was instrumental in saving and restoring the old Maywood Train Station into the Maywood Station Museum. Here he was known as door greeter during their Santa at the Maywood Station annual Event and as host in the caboose train layout. He was a member of the board of trustees for the NYSWTHS Board of Trustees serving as Secretary. Gus was an avid woodworker building several projects both big and small over the years.
Funeral services were Wednesday, December 16, 2020 from the Trinka-Faustini Funeral Service 439 Maywood Ave. Maywood, NJ at 10 AM. A Funeral Mass was said at 10:30am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Maywood. Cremation was private. Visitation was Tuesday December 15, 2020 from 5-8PM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 400 Maywood Ave., Maywood, NJ or the American Heart Association P.O. Box 417005 Boston, MA 0241-7005 in his memory.
Bosi, Guiseppe “Joe”, 88 on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 of Little Ferry, NJ. Beloved husband of Nella (nee DeVincenzi) for 61 years. Devoted father of Janelle Meli and her husband Paul and Richard Bosi. Cherished grandfather of Jacqueline McCarthy and her husband Brian, Matthew Bosi and his wife Cassandra, Alyssa and Jonathan Meli and great-grandfather of Liam, Raegan and Quinn McCarthy and Preston Bosi. Dear brother of the late Guilano Bosi. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Before retiring he worked as a toll collector on the Garden State Parkway. He was an active member of St. Margaret of Cortona Church in Little Ferry.
Visiting was on Sunday, November 29, 2020 from 3PM to 7PM. A Funeral Mass was said at St. Margaret's on Monday, November 30 at 10AM. Entombment followed at Garden of Memories, Washington Twp. Donations in his memory may be made to Sacred Heart Church Helping Hands Ministry Food Pantry, 12 Terrace Avenue, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662.
Caraballo, Rita (nee Velez) of Paramus, NJ passed away peacefully in her home on November 19, 2020. She was born in Yauco, Puerto Rico, but spent most of her adult life in Bronx, New York and Paramus, N J. She had one brother, Eriberto Velez, whom she loved dearly with all her heart and he also loves her deeply.
She was married to Antonio Caraballo for 50 years and together they had three children, Elsie Caraballo Gutierrez, Edna Caraballo Moya and Robert Caraballo, DMD. She spent most of her life caring for others. In addition to her children, she was a loving grandmother and caregiver to her grandchildren, Jennifer Gutierrez Triola, Christopher A. Gutierrez and Jason Moya. In addition, she was blessed with great grandchildren, Olivia Triola and Enzo Triola. She was loved by all and will be truly missed and always with us in our hearts.
A Mass of Christian Burial took place on Monday, November 23,2020 at Our Lady Of Visitation, 234 N. Farview Ave, Paramus, NJ at 10:00am. Visiting was on Sunday, November 22, 2020 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Burial followed in George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.