Barbara L. Thompson
Barbara L. Thompson (nee Nicholls) of Kearny died Sept. 21, 2020.
She was 91.
Private family arrangements were by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home.
Barbara was the beloved wife of the late William Thompson. She was the loving mother of Jeffrey Thompson (Meg) and Dorine Pomponio (John). She is survived by her grandchildren Travis, Allison, Lindsey, Jessica, Tucker, Joshua, Sara and Kaitlyn along with eight great-grandchildren.
Barbara was a Third Ward Councilwoman for many years. She was also a member of the Kearny Republican Club. Barbara also served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Grace United Methodist Church, 380 Kearny Ave., Kearny, N.J. 07032.
Joseph W. Maiore
Joseph W. Maiore, born and raised in Elizabeth, died Sept. 21, 2020.
He was 85.
He lived in Kearny for the past 58 years.
Private arrangements were by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife Barbara (nee Pettigrew) and his daughter and son Joette Landy (Mike) and Jeff Maiore. He was the loving grandfather of Michael, Nicole and Jake. Brother of Thomas Maiore (Marianne), Anthony Maiore (Patti), Christine Nichol (Wayne) and the late Robert Maiore (Pam). Joe is also survived by his sister-in-law Bonnie and brother-in-law Cos Rossi. He is survived by wonderful nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Julia and Anthony Maiore, nephew Anthony Maiore, great-nephew David Nice and his in-laws Mom and Pop Pettigrew. He was loved by all. He loved all sports and was an avid Yankee fan.
Joe was so proud to serve in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. He was a project analyst for Prudential Insurance Company for 35 years and retired in 1992.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to any charity of your own choice.
Edwina E. Wiss
Edwina E. Wiss, a lifelong Kearny resident, died Sept. 24, 2020, a day before her 76th birthday.
A graduate of Kearny High School, she attended the University of Wisconsin and graduated from Southern Illinois University.
Edwina retired from the Newark Board of Education after 37 years of service. She taught English. Her last assignment was at East Side High School.
She traveled the world, but her favorite destination was always Aruba where she vacationed for many years with family and friends.
She loved to read, go to the movies and attend the theater with her friends.
She was known in town by her many walks up and down Kearny Avenue. One of her greatest accomplishments was completing the New York City Marathon.
She was predeceased by her parents Sophie and Edmund Wiss and is survived by her brother Jay and sister-in-law Susan, Paul and sister-in-law Jill; her nephew Christopher Wiss (Patrice) and Craig Wiss and her nieces Joy Jacobsen (Erik) and Morgen Christopher (Bill) and 10 great-nieces and nephews.
She also leaves behind her beloved dog Bella.
In lieu of expressions of sympathy, please consider a donation to Spectrum 360. Donations may be made to Spectrum 360 in memory of Edwina Wiss and in support of her great-nephew Bailey Wiss.
Spectrum 360 provides services to children, adolescents and adults with autism and related disabilities. Bailey Wiss is a student at Spectrum 360. Donations may be mailed to the Development Office, Spectrum 360, 414 Eagle Rock Ave., Suite 200B, West Orange, N.J. 07052 or an online donation may be made at Spectrum360.org. Click on the donate now box.
Joseph F. Gratta
Joseph F. Gratta, 91, of Kearny, formerly of Jersey City, died Thursday, April 9, 2020.
The beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (nee Walsh) Gratta., he was the loving father of Joanne & her husband Sean Hayes and Kathleen & her husband Steven DeVivo, the cherished grandfather of Kai DeVivo, the dear brother of Annette Cavallaro and Fred Gratta. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Joseph was a Navy veteran, serving during World War II and the Korean War. He was a postal worker for the USPS for over 20 years.
A committal service will take place Saturday, Oct. 3, at noon, at the Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum, North Arlington. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 425 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst. Condolences may be posted at www.stellatofuneralhomes.com.
Gloria McElroy
Gloria McElroy, 67, formerly of Harrison, the daughter of the late Melville and Claire Halpern, died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, at Bayshore Hospital, Holmdel.
She leaves behind her husband, Michael McElroy, of 30 years. Also three sisters, Dorothy, Bernice and Lorraine; two brothers Douglas and Brian; nieces and nephews and some great-nieces and great-nephews.
