John A. Holle Sr.
John A. Holle Sr., of Bloomfield, died tragically on June 7 from injuries sustained after being struck by an automobile while crossing the street. Originally from Arlington, John joined the Marines in 1942 and fought at Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima, and earned citations for bravery including the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He was a proud life member of the Marine Corps League, West Hudson Detachment; the Catholic War Veterans; and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of the Father Washington Club. His father, Edward Holle, was killed on the Dorchester with the Rev. John Washington when it was torpedoed and sank in the North Atlantic during WWII. A marksman, John was a life member of the NRA and received many awards and medals and national recognition for his shooting expertise as part of the Kearny and Roseland Rifle and Pistol Clubs.
A devout Catholic, John was a daily communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Bloomfield, where he was a member of the Holy Name Society and served as an acolyte, usher, and Eucharistic Minister. John served twice as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 1178, and was a member of the St. Isaac Jogues 4th degree Assembly #0649.
An avid golfer and bowler, John was a member of The Bowling Green Golf Club in Oak Ridge, and a captain of the St. Thomas Bowling League for many years. He had been a mechanical contractor and a member of the Pipe Fitters Local #274.
A man of service to many charities, Mr. Holle was predeceased by his son, John A. Holle, Jr. and a brother Albert J. Holle. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cecilia A. (nee Jordan) Holle; three children, Joan Holle of Spring Lake, Dolores Holle of Sea Girt, James Jordan Holle and his wife Deirdre Cannon of East Hanover, and the Rev. Laurence P. Dolan, OFM, of San Diego, Calif.; two grandchildren, James and Brian Holle of East Hanover; four sisters-in-law, Ann Holle of Oceanside, Calif., Rose Wildeman of Point Pleasant, Teresa Corcoran of Blairstown and Rosalie A. Jordan of Spring Lake; a niece Regina Holle of San Diego, Calif.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins in the U.S. and Ireland. John leaves behind many loyal friends and family, and will be sorely missed.
Visitation will be at Frank Halpin’s Brookdale Funeral Home, 1284 Broad St, Bloomfield, on Wednesday June 13, from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. The funeral will be Thursday, June 14, at 9 a.m. from the funeral home. The funeral Liturgy will follow in Saint Thomas the Apostle Church, 60 Byrd Ave, Bloomfield, at 10 a.m. Interment is at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John A. Holle Memorial Fund, West Hudson Detachment, Marine Corp League, 286 Belgrove Dr., Kearny, NJ 07032 or The Seeing Eye, PO Box 375, Morristown, NJ 07963.
Theodore R. Lapinski
Theodore R. Lapinski, 87, died on June 5 at Englewood Hospital in Englewood.
Born in Jersey City, he lived in North Arlington since 1953.
He was the vice president of operations for Englewood Hospital for 13 years before retiring in 1992. Earlier, he worked as an account executive Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Newark for 25 years. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He served North Arlington as tax collector, councilman and Mayor from 1969 to 1970 and most recently as vice chairman of the Board of Health. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #3428 and an usher at Queen of Peace Church, North Arlington. He was a member of the Lions Club of North Arlington, the North Arlington Republican Club and was state ambassador for the A.A.R.P.
He was the beloved husband of Jennie (nee Natina); devoted father of Gordon and his wife Virginia of Cherry Hill and the late Lenore; cherished grandfather of Jennifer Sands, Derek, Amanda and Kyle Lapinski and great-grandfather of Robert Sands III.
Visitation was held at the Parow Funeral Home, 185 Ridge Rd., North Arlington on Saturday, June 9, with a religious service. In Theodore’s memory, the family would appreciate donations made to the North Arlington Volunteer Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 7088, North Arlington, N.J. 07031.
Claude Neilson
Claude Neilson died on June 8 at home. He was 84. Born in Crawhills, Scotland, he lived many years in Kearny before moving to Margaretville, N.Y.
Arrangements were by the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A Masonic service was held, followed by the funeral service and private cremation. To leave online condolence please visit www.armitagewiggins.com.
Claude was a butcher and part owner of the Royal Meat Market, Kearny. He was past master of Copestone Ophir Lodge, past president of the Scots American Club, Scottish American Monument Committee and the Square Club all in Kearny.
Husband of Agnes (nee Hamilton), he is survived by his children Robert Neilson, Elizabeth and Arlindo Teixeira and Andrew Neilson, six grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson, Sean.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation to Erskine Hospital c/o the funeral home.
Stuart J. Schardin
Stuart J. Schardin, 61, of Harrison, passed away on Sunday, June 3.
Private funeral arrangements were entrusted to Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison. followed by cremation. For information or to send condolences to family please visit mulliganfuneralhome.org.
Son of the late Elmer and Fern, Stuart was born in Lake Benton, Minn.
He survived by his sons Joshua S. and Matthew J. Schardin.
