Josephine Helene Aleniewski
Josephine Helene “Josie” Aleniewski, 88, of Rumson, formerly of Harrison, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, due to dysphagia complications from a neurological condition known as PSP (an atypical Parkinsonism syndrome).
Born in Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Newark, she attended Harrison High School, graduating with honors. She worked as an R.N. for 40 years, receiving her nursing degree in 1949 from St. Michael’s Hospital, Newark, where she was trained by the nuns and later worked as an OR nurse in the hospital as well as a private duty nurse.
A longtime resident of Harrison, she served as a Board of Health nurse and as school nurse in Holy Cross School. She was also a member of the St. Michael’s Nurses’ Alumni Association.
She loved learning and continued her studies at Marymount College in Manhattan and encouraged others to get their education. Josie was a passionate reader and frequented the Harrison Public Library. She also enjoyed travel abroad with friends and family to various destinations such as Yugoslavia, England, Italy, Switzerland, Greece and Poland.
She loved New York for both fashion and culture. She would march up and down Fifth Avenue to “study” the windows and even attended FIT one summer. Most of all she enjoyed the opera, ballet and classical music at Lincoln Center and sharing these experiences with her nieces and nephews. Proud of her Polish heritage, she served many years as secretary of the Pro-Arte League of the Kosciuszko Foundation of which her parents were founding members.
Josie was predeceased by her parents George and Wladyslawa Aleniewski, her sisters Dr. Monica Aleniewski, Jane Leppard and baby sister Helen Teresa.
A beloved sister and aunt, after retiring she moved to Rumson to be near her surviving sister Victoria Mazurczyk Aleniewski. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Monika Mazurczyk and husband Joseph Garipoli of West Long Branch, Thaddeus Mazurczyk and wife Stacy of Littleton, Col., Victoria Carlin and husband Benjamin of Bedford, N.Y., and Suzanne Mazurczyk of Wall; Lauren and husband Bob (“Karl”) Cottone of Hightstown, John and wife Marybeth of Lawrenceville, Dr. Stephanie Friedfeld and husband Dr. Dale Schrum of Jacksonville, Fla., Robert Friedfeld and wife Sue of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Eric Friedfeld and wife Maggie of Warwick, R.I.; Maureen Schroeder and husband Harvey of Spring Lake, George Leppard and wife Cathy of Brielle, Dr. John Leppard and wife Joanne of Huntington, N.Y.
The funeral was conducted from the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison, on July 26. A Mass of Christian burial was offered at Our Lady of Czestochowa Roman Catholic Church, Harrison, on July 26, followed by interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. A memorial service will be held at Holy Cross Church, Ward Ave., Rumson, on a future date to be announced. For information or directions, please visit www.mulliganfuneralhome.org.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Foundation for PSP, also known as PSP.org, or Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, Harrison, Kosciuszko Foundation, New York, Piast Institute, Hamtramck, Mich., St. Michael’s Nurses Alumni Association or Marymount Manhattan College, N.Y.
Thermon Francis Brooks
Thermon Francis Brooks of Kearny died on July 24 at the West Hudson/Alaris Continuing Care Center in Kearny. He was 85.
Arrangements were by the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral service was held from the funeral home, followed by entombment in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
Born in Newark, Mr. Brooks was the son of Milton and Bridget ( nee Garside) Brooks. A resident of Kearny since his marriage in 1951, Mr. Brooks attended the Newark public schools and served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He pursued a career with the U.S. Postal Service for most of his life.
Mr. Brooks was a member for over 60 years of the Frobisher Post No. 99 American Legion and the V.F.W. Post 1302, both of Kearny, as well as a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Korean War Veterans. He enjoyed fishing and was a lifelong honorary member of the Schuyler Tuna Fishing Club.
Surviving are his sons, Clifford J., Kevin M., Christopher J., and Martin G.; his daughters Leslie Oxenham, Pamela Brooks, Lisa Fitzmaurice, and Cynthia Orr; and 13 grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Korean War Veterans Association, P.O. Box 407, Charleston, Ill. 61920-0407.
William J. Burke
William “Bill” J. Burke, 64, of Nutley, formerly of Kearny, died on July 22.
Arrangements were by the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral service was held from the funeral home, followed by interment in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Mr. Burke was a lab technician with Anheuser-Busch, Newark, for five years.
He was the father of Billy Burke Jr. (Tracey), Laura Burke and Dana Sblendorio; brother of Kathy Corbo and the late Theresa Burke Palumbo and grandfather of Noah, Mackenzie, Jake, Mia and Gavin. He was the companion of Nancy Ulrich. He is also survived by three nieces.
Paul A. Hettesheimer Sr.
Paul A. Hettesheimer Sr., 84, died on July 27.
Relatives and friends may visit at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home. 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny on Tuesday, July 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held from the funeral home on Wednesday, July 30, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Lyndhurst. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.thiele-reid.com.
Paul was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He later lived in Newark before moving to North Arlington 45 years ago.
He served in the U.S. Navy.
Mr. Hettesheimer was a tech specialist for W.H. Linen in Clifton for the last 20 years and was still actively employed before his passing.
He is survived by his four adoring children Elizabeth “Betty” Donigian (Stephan), Judy Gann (Dave), Paul A. Hettesheimer, Jr. (Patty) and Mark J. Hettesheimer, Sr. (June). He will be deeply missed by his 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brothers Marc and David Hettesheimer.
He was predeceased, in 2004, by his wife Theresa (Melodick) Hettesheimer to whom he was happily married to for 56 years and also his siblings Betty Hillard and Weldon and Howard Hettesheimer.
Paul was a self-made man who deeply cared and provided for his family and will be forever missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to the Deborah Heart and Lung center at www.deborah.org
Dr. Judith E. Malinowski
Dr. Judith E. Malinowski entered into eternal rest on July 18 in Bloomfield, after a long and valiant battle against cancer.
Arrangements were by the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A celebration of Judith’s life was held at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 663 Kearny Ave., Kearny, on July 26, followed by a private cremation.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.thiele-reid.com.
Born in Kearny, she was the only daughter of the late Edward and Emily (nee Makofsky) Malinowski. She resided most of her life in Harrison.
Dr. Malinowski received her doctorate in health sciences leadership at Seton Hall University and a master’s degree in educational communications/ instructional design at New York University. Her passion and commitment to education was evident as she fulfilled many roles in the educational field. She served as director of education, special projects, at St. Michael’s Medical Center, Department of Medical Education, and as director of education for Seton Hall University. In her earlier years at St. Michael’s Medical Center, she served as director, School of Radiology. She was a former instructor at Passaic County Community College and Bergen Community College. She served on the Harrison Board of Health and the New Jersey Local Boards of Health. She was a member of the Board of Governors, Northeast Osteopathic Medical Education Network and various educational review boards.
Judith was an avid traveler and wine connoisseur. She traveled extensively, visiting Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Scotland, France, England, Canada, and various places of interest in the continental United States, to name a few of her destinations. She often hosted and attended winetasting events sharing and enjoying that “perfect” glass of wine with friends and acquaintances. She enjoyed Scottish dancing and kicked up her heels at many ethnic events.
Judith is survived by a brother, Robert, and his wife, Carolyn; an aunt, Gail Makofsky; cousins, Lorraine; Joseph and Stanley Kloska; Bonnie Makofsky (Les); and Michael Makofsky (Mona).
A faithful and true friend to the very end, Judith will be cherished and greatly missed by her loving family at St. Michael’s Medical Center, and her lifelong friends, Marilyn, Ellen, Robert, and her beloved minister, the Rev. Elaine Connolly, of the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington.
Appreciation is extended to the staff at St. Michael’s Medical Center, Newark, and the Job Haines Home in Bloomfield, for the excellent care and compassion extended to Dr. Malinowski.
In lieu of flowers donations to Waves of Health at www.thewavesofhealth.org or to the Royal Oak foundation at www.royal-oak.org in Judith’s memory would be greatly appreciated.
Tadeusz Naprawa
Mr. Tadeusz Naprawa (Ted) died on Tuesday, July 22, at home. He was 87.
The funeral Mass is on Thursday, July 31, at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church in Harrison at 10 a.m., followed by interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit in the Condon Funeral Home, 684 Kearny Ave., Kearny (condonfuneralhome.com) on Wednesday, July 30, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Mr. Naprawa had been a machinist for Newark Die Co. in Springfield for many years until retiring in 1988. He had served in the British Army Polish Brigade under Gen. Anders during World War II.
He was a member of the board of directors and the bar manager at the Polish National Home in Harrison. He had also served as the president of the Polish American Citizens Club in Kearny where he was also a member.
Ted was predeceased by his wife, Adela (nee Pastula) and is survived by his son Richard Naprawa and his wife, Barbara and his daughter, Izabela Naprawa. Also surviving are his grandchildren Alex and Elizabeth Naprawa.
Eleanor Coan Steel
Eleanor Coan Steel, born Aug. 7, 1951, died on July 1 at home in Toms River surrounded by her family.
Eleanor was born in Queens, N.Y., and grew up in the Kearny area, where she also raised her four children. She was a nurse at West Hudson Hospital and volunteered for the Holiday City Berkeley EMT squad after moving to Toms River.
She is survived by her four children Kimberly Kane, Tara Kazenmayer, Kristen Pela and Brian Yudichak; her 11 grandchildren and her great-grandson. She is also survived by her brother James Coan and her lifelong friend Susan Mc- Cluskey.
Funeral arrangements were by Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, Toms River. Condolences may be sent to www.quinnhoppingfh.com.
