Obituaries for 29 April 2020

Nancy Blair

Nancy Blair (Wang Jian-Hua), 73, died Wednesday, April 22, 2020.

Mrs. Blair was born in China, grew up in Taiwan and immigrated to the US and ultimately was a resident of Lyndhurst for 34 years.

Nancy worked as an accountant for All Tech Machinery for many years before retiring in 2007.  Nancy survived cancer more than 20 years ago, but was not able to overcome her battle with COVID-19.

She is survived by her beloved husband, John Blair and their loving children, John Khan and his wife, Keiko, David Blair and his wife, Penelope and Marsha Gutkowski and her husband, Robert, and by her cherished grandchildren, Alex, Ryan, Ashley and Cuya, Mimi, Hana and Adriana.

Nancy had a zest for life and a contagious smile. She will be remembered as a beacon of kindness and generosity to all people.  She would want us to celebrate her life and all the lives she touched through the years.

Private cremation will take place under the direction of the Nazare Memorial Home, 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst.

Elizabeth L. (Betty) Cahill

Elizabeth L. (Betty) Cahill (formerly of Harrison) died peacefully on April 24, 2020, in Edgewater, after a courageous battle with dementia & most recently Alzheimer’s.

She was 86.

Betty was born July 28, 1933, in Harrison, to Elizabeth “Bessie” and Michael Canning. She attended Holy Cross Grammar School in Harrison and went on to graduate from St. Cecilia High School in Kearny. Upon graduating, she worked for “The Telephone Company” in Newark. Betty always loved New York, and soon began her dream job in NYC in the Seagram Building, which she reminisced about often in her last years.

She married and moved to the Jersey Shore, returning to Harrison in 1972.

She had a long career with the Hudson County Pension Fund, retiring at age 77.

Betty exercised and stayed in great physical shape. She enjoyed spending time with her best friend and sister. She never missed a family event. Her sense of style was her trademark. She took pride in the fact that she “never owned a pair of jeans.” Betty was flattered when told she was known as “The Jackie O of Harrison.”

But more than anything, Betty enjoyed her family.

Betty is survived by her daughter Karen Miles & son-in-law Randall Miles of NYC, her son, Gregory Cahill & daughter-in-law Stephanie Cahill, of Califon, grandsons  Marc Marrone of Las Vegas his wife Imogene, Spencer Miles of Brooklyn, Chase Miles of NYC, granddaughters Finnoula & Cordelia Cahill of Califon and great-grandson Ace Kingston Marrone of Las Vegas.

She was especially close to her nieces and nephews, Bobby (Debra Nimetz), Michael (Tricia) & Marybeth Healey, Carolyn (Vincent) & Michael (Mina) Canning, sister-in-law Rose Canning and her many great-nieces & nephews as well as great-great nieces and nephews.

She enjoyed her time with and was very close to her cousin Kathy O’Neill.

Betty was predeceased by her parents and siblings, Michael “Francis” Canning, Dolores Canning, Thomas Canning and most recently her loving sister, Catherine “Sis” Healey. She is now reunited with her best friend.

Private funeral services were under the direction of Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison.    Betty’s celebration of life will take place at later date.  An announcement will be made and you may feel free to check back on the funeral home’s website.

To send a condolence message to the family, please visit www.mulliganfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to HFC. Find more information at www.wearehfc.org.

Founded by Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen, HFC is a national non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, inspiring change and accelerating progress in Alzheimer’s care, research and support. It is their mission to care for families facing this disease, educate young people about living a brain-healthy life and to activate the next generation of Alzheimer’s advocates.

Thomas F. Corblies Sr.

Thomas F. Corblies Sr., 78, of Toms River, formerly of East Newark, died April 22, 2020.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated in loving memory of Thomas once restrictions on public gatherings are lifted. Arrangements are under the direction of Shook’s Cedar Grove. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.shookscedargrove.com.

Thomas was born in Newark, to the late Joseph “Harold” and Mary Corblies. He was raised in East Newark, where he built the foundation of his wonderful family with the love of his life ,Joan Case, with whom he is now reunited.

Thomas and Joan retired to Toms River, where they lived for many years.

A graduate of Queen of Peace High School, Thomas went on to study at Seton Hall University. Throughout his early life he held a variety of positions at Quincy Fish Market, Worthington, and UPS, before ultimately building his career at the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

Retiring in 2004, he spent many days reminiscing fondly about the times he spent on the job with his “Turnpike Buddies.” The son of an auxiliary East Newark police officer, Thomas coached baseball at the Harrison Little League, served dutifully on the East Newark Town Council and was an exempt member of the East Newark Volunteer Fire Department.

His propensity for civil service was deep-seated, a legacy he cherished, and passed on to his children and grandchildren.

An avid currency and train collector, Thomas was a crossword and trivia enthusiast, who never missed an episode of “Jeopardy.” He loved to spend his time fishing and crabbing, perusing the hardware store, sharing stories about his younger years and floating in his beloved swimming pool.

He also loved feeding the ducks at the bay and the fish in his pond when his great-grandchildren were visiting. He had a warm, generous heart and a one-of-a-kind, “1,000-watt smile” that shone brightest when he was surrounded by his loving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Pop” took great pride in the strength of his family, a value that will be carried on by his seven children, Joan Walsh, and her husband, Thomas, Colleen Evans, and her husband, Frank, Thomas and his wife, Lisa, Miguel Gonzalez and his wife, Brandy, John and his wife, Theresa, Kelly and Kathryn; his 17 grandchildren, Brittani (Angel), Kurri (Pedro), Corey (Paula), Samantha, Brighid (Vincent), Ruaidhri, Deaglan, Christian, Melanie, Kelsey, Bailey, Daniel, Kaitlyn, Jack, Tyler, Charlize and Alexis; and his greatest joy, his great-grandchildren, Liam, Hunter, Ian, Mya, Wyatt, Remy, Leighton, Blake, Delaney and Rayanne.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Bernard and Paul Corblies, and a sister, Ann Marie Sosnosky.

He is also survived by two sisters, Eileen Sheedy and his best friend and “Personal Chef,” Mary Lou Mackenzie and her husband, Bobby.

Thomas, a friend to all, is also survived by his sister-in-law, Patricia Tighe, and her husband, Charles, many nieces, nephews and “extra” children and grandchildren, whom he cared for as his own.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Thomas’s memory may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, at www.wish.org.

Doris Mc Cracken

Doris Mc Cracken (nee Kington) of Barnegat, formerly of Kearny, died away peacefully on April 20, 2020.

Doris was two months shy of her 98th birthday.

Before moving to Barnegat in 2009, Doris spent most of her life in Kearny. She was a graduate of Kearny High School.

Her first job was with the Salvation Army in New York City. Later on, she was an office manager with Garray Plastics and L&R Manufacturing, both in Kearny. After retirement at age 70, Doris returned to the Salvation Army, this time in Kearny, where she was a senior soldier. She was the Home League secretary (women’s ministry), and a bookkeeper and case worker for their Family Services Department.

She is survived by her children, a son, Robert Mc Cracken Jr., of Clark Summit, Pa., and a daughter, Cheryl Cathcart of Barnegat; five grandchildren, Chrystie, Stacey, Robert, Richard and Amanda, and nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her four brothers and her sister, Janet.

Doris put everyone’s needs above her own. Her kind heart and quiet strength will be sorely missed by all the lives she touched. She was the matriarch of her family and her absence will be felt deeply.

Cremation services were private, under the direction of the Barnegat Funeral Home, Barnegat. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.BarnegatFH.com.

Marie E. Joch

Marie E. Joch, 85, died April 21, 2020 at the Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck.

Born in Newark, she lived most of her life in Kearny before moving to Teaneck.  She was self-employed and had her own cleaning service for many years.

She was a member of the Salvation Army Home League of Kearny and longtime parishioner of the First Baptist Church of Kearny and a member of their Women’s Fellowship.

Marie was the beloved daughter of the late Ruth Moffett, and the loving friend of the late Marilyn Harriman.

A private graveside service will take place at Arlington Cemetery in Kearny where she will be interred with her mother. Arrangements were under the direction of the Parow Funeral Home, 185 Ridge Road,  North Arlington.

Manuel Noya Gude

Manuel Noya Gude died April 13, 2020.

He was 88.

Private arrangements were by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny.

Manuel was a boat captain and worked as a commercial fisherman in Spain. Husband of the late Rosa, he was the father of Maria Teresa Cadabal, Minolo Noya, Cipriano Noya and Rosa Noya. Brother of Juan, he is also survived by nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

John R. English

John R. English died at home Wednesday, April 15, 2020

John was a loving son, husband, father, grandpa, uncle, brother and friend. John was born Aug. 19, 1939, to Ruth and John. He lived his life as a Kearny resident until retiring to Lake Wallenpaupack 20 years ago where he made many new lifetime friends as well.

He married his high school sweetheart Dolores (nee Cattafi) and had four children. He was the former owner of Tony’s Deli for 25 years and loved all his patrons and the many memories they gave him. He was an avid Rangers fan and loved fishing and hunting.

John was preceded in death by his dad and mom, John and Ruth, and his wife, Dolores. Also, his brother and sister-in-law Lee and Sonny Cattafi, and sisters-in-law Sally English and Barbara English.

He is survived by his four children Terry English, John (Marie) English, Valerie (Anthony) Iacono and Stephen (Sandy) English and his grandchildren Nicole (Mike), Dylan, Stephen, Matty, Mikey and Nikalena.

He is also survived by his brother William English, sister Naomi (John) Reissner, brother Richard (Eva) English, sister-in-law Rose Guancione, and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

John had an easy-going personality that will be missed by many.

A memorial service will take place at a future date.

Francisco “Joe” Frieri

Francisco “Joe” Frieri died April 17, 2020.

He was 80.

Private arrangements were by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny.

Joe was the beloved husband of Elena (nee Gaitan) and loving father of Marta Rusignuolo and Lisa Frieri. He is also survived by his brother Antonio. Joe was lovingly laid to rest at the Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.

Rosalie Ann Jordan

Rosalie Ann Jordan of Spring Lake Heights died suddenly April 13, 2020.

Born in Jersey City and raised in the Arlington section of Kearny, Rosalie (“Cissie”) moved with her family to Spring Lake Heights in the ‘50s. She was employed as an executive secretary in the RCA and S. S. Adams Novelty Company. At JCP&L, where she worked for 35 years, she became a pioneer for women, breaking the glass ceiling to become the company’s first female Residential-Builder Representative and later a Commercial/Industrial Representative.

She received numerous program marketing awards.

Rosalie loved all things Irish. She traveled to Ireland with her Holle cousins on her Aunt Betty’s first return trip to County Antrim which Betty had left in infancy. That emotional reunion will never be forgotten by participants on either side of the Atlantic.

In her earlier years, Rosalie loved the beach, swimming, playing the piano and horseback riding. She was especially proud of her Arabian horse, Condor el Raj. She always loved cooking, and was quite the chef.

Traveling was another of Rosalie’s passions. More recently, her travels were via television and she was most grateful for EWTN, which allowed her to attend daily Mass. Rosalie was a parishioner of St. Stephen’s Church in Kearny in her youth. After moving to Spring Lake Heights, she attended St. Catharine’s Parish, but currently was a parishioner at St. Mark’s, in Sea Girt, where she was living to help her aunt.

Rosalie was predeceased by her beloved grandparents, James J. and Rose Ann Hamill Jordan; her parents Edward P. and Marie Jordan; her brother, James J. Jordan; her aunts and uncles James J. Jordan Jr., Elizabeth A. Jordan, John W. and Louise French Jordan, Thomas J. and Margaret Feeley Jordan, George and Mary Jordan Fultz, William B. Jordan, John & Rose Jordan Wildeman, John A Holle Sr. and Ernest C. Corcoran. She was also predeceased by first cousins John A. Holle Jr., Thomas J Jordan Jr.  and first cousins once removed Stephen R. Sherman and Jason Jordan.

She is survived by her aunts, Cecilia Jordan Holle of Bloomfield and Teresa Jordan Corcoran of Sea Girt, as well as 15 first cousins and their offspring in the US, and dozens of cousins in Ireland, all of whom will miss her dearly.

Memorial donations may be made to: Saint Joseph’s School for the Blind, 761 Summit Ave., Jersey City, N.J. 07307 or www.schoolfortheblind.org or the Seeing Eye, P.O. Box 375, Morristown, NJ 07963 or www.seeingeye.org.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall Township.

To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.obrieanfuneralhome.com.

Patricia Bardzilowski

Patricia Bardzilowski (nee McGuire), formerly of Harrison, died peacefully in her sleep at CompleteCare at Green Knolls, Bridgewater, on April 15, 2020.

Agnes Patricia McGuire was born in Mossend, Scotland, on July 31, 1927, the daughter of James and Theresa McGuire (nee Leggan). After immigrating to the USA in 1928, she lived her entire life in Harrision. Pat was predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years Nicholas Bardzilowski, son Ronald Bardzilowski and four siblings.

Pat was retired from the Harrison Board of Education. She was a member of Holy Cross Church and the Senior Citizens both in Harrison, active in many community events and organizations, and will always be remembered for her quick wit and great sense of humor.

Survivors include her daughter Diana Flaherty and husband James of Union Township; daughter-in-law Paula Bardzilowski (nee Plaugic) of Piscataway; and son John Miles and wife Anne of Everette, Washington.

She was the proud grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of 15 (plus one on the way).

Because of the Covid-19 situation and to protect her loving family, friends and community, there will be no immediate services. A memorial service at a later date is planned for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harrison Senior Center, 221 Harrison Ave., Harrison, N.J. 07029.

Private arrangements were handled by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home.

Leon Niedzinski

Leon Niedzinski died April 19, 2020.

He was 95.

Private arrangements are by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny.

Born in Harrison in 1925, he was one of 10 children born to Polish immigrants Sophie (nee Gawienowski) and Witold Niedzinski.

He lived in Kearny for 65 years.

A veteran of World War II, Mr. Niedzinski served three years in the United States Merchant Marines from April 1943 to April 1946 as a seaman on various Liberty ships ferrying cargo and war material to ports in Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Iran, The Suez Canal and Indian Ocean. Following his release from the Merchant Marines, he worked as a machinist at the Hyatt Roller Bearings plant in Harrison and later in Clark after the plant relocated, retiring in 1976.

He later worked in maintenance at the mini-mall in Harrison.

Mr. Niedzinski was an avid hunter and fisherman and was a member of the Schuyler Tuna Fishing Club. He also was a member of the Harrison/East Newark Elks 2326, American Legion Post 282, Fraternal Order of Eagles 2214 and V.F.W. 1302

Leon was predeceased by his wife Rosaline (nee Mitchell) and son John of Keyport.

Survivors include sister Agnes Katelus-Jones of Avon; daughter Susan McCluskey (John Haase) of Toms River; grandchildren David McCluskey (Teresa), Kristen McCluskey, Jamie Niedzinski Barbato (John) and John Niedzinski and six great-grandchildren. Also, daughter-in-law Barbara (Gary Rieger).

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.