Mavis Kathleen DelTosto
Mavis Kathleen DelTosto (nee Nickerson), formerly of North Arlington, died on March 5 of natural causes at the age of 103 at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living facility in West Orange. Mavis was born Nov.21, 1911, Clarks Harbor, Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, to Ethel (nee Kenny) Nickerson and William Oscar Nickerson, a Nova Scotia lobsterman. She attended Horton Academy of Acadia University where she earned her varsity letter in basketball, graduating in 1929. Mavis immigrated to the US and took a job as a governess with a diplomat’s family, living in Washington D.C., New York City, Katonah, and Glen Cove in the years leading up to and during World War II.
In 1948 Mavis married Enrico (Henry) DelTosto, and the couple moved to a home in North Arlington—a home where Mavis would live until she was 97. Mavis was a full-time mom, and a steady and unflappable force, who devoted herself to her children, her husband and her community.
Mavis was a member of the North Arlington school PTA throughout her children’s time in the schools, and served as President of the Washington School PTA. Mavis was also active in the North Arlington Woman’s Club through the late 50s’ and 60s’. She attended North Arlington First Presbyterian Church and taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and was a choir mother over the years.
Mavis was a vocal supporter of North Arlington’s public schools, eloquently defending them against campaigns to cut funding by offering characteristic no-nonsense reasoning: “My children were the beneficiaries of a wonderful education in the public schools. I think the children of the next generations should have that opportunity, too. Besides, I want the nurse who is dispensing my meds to be good at math!”
Mavis walked everywhere, recognizable by the battered wire cart she used (“my Cadillac”) to bring home groceries. She relished living in a small town where she knew her neighbors, her children’s teachers, the mayor and the shopkeepers.
An avid Yankees fan, Mavis knew the players, the coaches and their stats. Though her loss of hearing and dimming eyesight make it impossible for her to continue to watch the games on TV, she still followed the team religiously in the newspaper. She read voraciously, and did crossword puzzles every day—all this keeping her mind nimble.
Mavis’ gentle spirit, quiet strength and cheerful way touched many lives; she will be missed.
Mavis is survived by her son, Henry Paul DelTosto and his wife Lynne Park DelTosto, of Kearny; her daughter Doris DelTosto Brogan and her husband James Brogan of St. Davids, Pa., and her beloved grandchildren, Daniel Nickerson Brogan, (Rosemont, Pa.) Elizabeth Sullivan Brogan (Kansas City, Kan.) and Mairead Siobhan Brogan (St. Davids, Pa.), she was the sister of the late Ethan Nickerson and his wife Amy and Mervin Nickerson and his wife Gertrude.
Arrangements were by the Parow Funeral Home, 185 Ridge Road, North Arlington. A funeral service celebrating Mavis’ life was held Monday, March 9, followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Summit Animal Rescue Association, P. O. Box 124, Berkeley Heights, N.J. 07922 in Mavis’ honor.
Robert P. Huntley
Robert P. Huntley, of Kearny, died Feb. 19. He was 57.
Arrangements were by the Armitage Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny.
Bob is survived by his sister Linda Boni and brother Kevin Huntley. He is also the uncle of Bobby Boni and his wife Silvia and Kevin Huntley and his wife Jenna. Also surviving are his great nieces Paige, Sophia and McKenna.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Rev. Robert Pachana
Rev. Robert Pachana entered into eternal life on March 3. He was 45. Prior to enterting the priesthood Father Rob worked as a florist at Lee’s Florist in Kearny. He is survived by his mother Elizabeth, his brother Kenneth, sister Debra Golda and her husband Richard, along with his nephew and nieces. To view the entire obituary please visit www.armitagewiggins.com.
Marvin Sandler
A Lyndhurst High School Math Teacher, World War II Veteran and member of Sanford L. Kahn Post #538 Jewish War Veteran, Congregation B’Nai Israel G’bai, Marvin Sandler, 87, of Kearny, and a former Jersey City resident, passed away on Thursday, March 5. Sandler, an avid Mets baseball fan, was a kind man devoted to his family and a lifetime passion for teaching and learning and the love of music and reading.
Born and raised in Jersey City, Marvin graduated from Snyder High School in 1947. After high school, Marvin served in the United States Army during World War II where he was trained to be an interpreter for the Army. Marvin served overseas and during his service received a World War II Service Medal along with the Good Conduct Medal along with other honors.
After his military service, Marvin worked at his family’s clothing store Sandler’s Department Store in Jersey City. During this time he worked in real estate at CB Snyder in Hoboken. Marvin, graduated from NYU and then from Columbia University with a Master’s degree in Mathematics. Marvin began teaching math at Lyndhurst High School in 1955 and taught for the next 37 years, retiring in 1991 as supervisor of the Lyndhurst Math department. Marvin loved teaching. It was his passion and has taught his entire lifetime.
In 1957, Marvin married the late Marilyn Epstein from Brooklyn, N.Y. Marvin and Marylyn were married for 19 years until her passing in 1976. Marvin was the devoted father of Michael Alan, and Barbara Leah Brooks and her husband Chris whom he loved dearly. Marvin was also the cherished brother of Estelle Model and her late husband Murray and the late Morris (Maisha) Sandler. Marvin cherished his brother-in-law Morton Epstein and his wife Harriet as well as former wife Carol. Marvin loved his grandchildren Meredith and Jonathan dearly and they were the joy of his life.
Marvin also leaves behind the dearest of friends Agnes and Ian Smith who held a special place in Marvin’s heart.
Marvin was devoted to his late brother Morris (Maisha) his entire life. Marvin is survived by many nieces and nephews, and his Congregation B’Nai Israel family.
Marvin also leaves his faithful companion Lucky.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marvin’s name to: Association for Hunterdon Developmental Center (AHDC), c/o Gloria Dupre-Wynn, 39 West Spring St., Somerville, N.J. 08876
Rose Villano
Rose Villano (D’Angelo), 96, of Normandy Beach passed away on Thursday, March 5.
She was born on May 18, 1918, and raised in Newark and resided in Newark, Fort Lee and Montvale prior to settling in Normandy Beach two years ago. She was a member of St. Gabriel Parish, Ho- Ho-Kus. Rose loved and cherished her family and she was happiest when surrounded by her many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially during the many wonderful summers she spent in Normandy Beach. She also enjoyed many happy times traveling with her family and visits to Atlantic City. Rose will be remembered by all who loved her for the special touch she brought to holiday meals with her favorite traditional dishes, many of which still live on as family treasures, and for her generous spirit and sharing of family history.
Prior to retiring, she was employed by United Foodtown and was a member of UFCW Local 464A.
She was the beloved wife of the late Peter Villano, Sr., loving and devoted mother of Margaret Vishia (Tom), Antoinette Villano, Peter Villano (Janet), Georgianna Grieco (Ted) and George Villano (Mary). Cherished grandmother of 13. Dear great-grandmother of 12. Rose is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were under the direction of the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison. A funeral Mass was held at St. John’s R.C. Church, Mulberry St., Newark. Her interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. For information, or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.mulliganfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. John’s Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 200147, Newark, N.J. 07102 in loving memory of Rose.
Bernard P. Wozniak
Bernard P. Wozniak, of East Newark, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, March 5. He was 88.
Funeral services were handled by the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison. A funeral service was held at the funeral home on Monday, March 9. His Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. For information, or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.mulliganfh.com.
Born in Branford, Conn., Bernard lived in Harrison before moving to East Newark 64 years ago. Bernard worked for Tiffany & Co.; prior to that he worked for RCA, Harrison. Prior to that, Bernard served his Roman Catholic faith, becoming a Brother with the Graymoor Monastery (Franciscan Friars of the Atonement), Lake Placid, N.Y. and spent two years at the Vatican in Rome Italy.
Predeceased by his wife, Mary Rose (nee Ferriero) (1998), Bernard is survived by his nephews David and Kenneth Wilk, as well as many other nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his siblings Alfreda Wilk, Victoria Nelson, Wanda Vogt, Grace Stone, Martha Wozniak, Stella Wozniak, Anna Kryspin, Joseph Wozniak, Walter Wozniak, Alfred Wozniak, Todd Wozniak, Butch Wozniak, Peter Wozniak and Thomas Wozniak.
