Dennis Mulligan
Dennis Mulligan, 71, of Marco Island, Florida, died Wednesday, May 4, 2022.
Formerly of Cranford for many years, Dennis moved to Marco Island in 2009.
Dennis was a self-employed licensed realtor and broker at Mulligan Realty in Cranford for many years, retiring in 1999. Prior to owning his business, he was a computer operator for First Jersey Bank and A & P Stores, both in New Jersey.
He was a friend of Bill W. for over 34 years, and a member of the Family Church on Marco Island.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife Frances (née D’Avino), his beloved daughter Christina Mulligan, his cherished grandchildren Kevin, Krista, Victoria, Nicholas, and
Selena, his dear brother Frank X. Mulligan Jr., two nieces Melissa Kutz and Michelle Haney, a nephew Frank X. Mulligan III, three grandnieces Bridget, Abigail and Lucy a grandnephew Reece, and his beloved Havanese “Rosie.”
He was predeceased by his parents Frank X. Mulligan and Florence (née Herron).
Private funeral services took place, and a public memorial service will be offered Saturday, May 21, at 2 p.m., at the Family Church, Marco Island, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Family Church, 1450 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island, Fla., 34145, in memory of Dennis, would be appreciated.
If you would like to send a condolence message to his family, please visit www.mulliganfh.com.
David J. Pettigrew
David J. Pettigrew, 69, died Wednesday, May 4, 2022, in Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston,.
Viewing was at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Catherine of Siena R.C. Church, Hillside. Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
Born in Jersey City, David lived in Kearny for many years. He later lived in North Arlington before moving to Harrison seven years ago.
Mr. Pettigrew was a supervisor at ABM Parking Services at Newark Liberty International Airport for the last four years. Prior, he was a bus driver for NJ Transit.
David was a member of Teamsters Local 701 in North Brunswick, and an associate member of the F.O.P. in Newark, as well as a member of the Hillside Historical Society in Hillside.
He is survived by his wife, Ida (nee Atwell) Pettigrew, one sister, Ann Pettigrew and one brother, William Pettigrew and his wife, Mercy. Dave was the uncle of William Pettigrew Jr., Jessica, and Rebecca Dribnack and Owen Boydman and also many other nieces and nephews. He was the brother-in-law of Cathy Dribnack, Jessie Atwell, Henry Atwell and Ginger Rocco.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
Sheila Boyle
Sheila Boyle of Kearny died May 4, 2022.
She was 75.
A funeral service was celebrated at the First Presbyterian Church, Kearny. The Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny, was in charge.
Sheila was very involved for many years at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington in Kearny. She held many positions including Woman’s Guild, choir bell director, deacon, elder, thrift store assistant, craft group participant and a food pantry volunteer.
Daughter of the late Rene and Jane (Wehr) Bourez, she was the loving wife of Doug Boyle and cherished mother of Michelle Cunha (John), Doug Boyle and Kyle Boyle (Deborah). Sister of the late R. Richard Bourez, she is also survived by her grandchildren Jayne, Olivia, Carson, Owen, Jillian, Elizabeth, Kailyn and Bailey.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the First Presbyterian Food Pantry.
Nan Barcan
Nan Barcan of Hackettstown, formerly of Long Valley, 84, died Sunday, April 3, 2022, at Hackettstown Medical Center.
She was born in Queens, on June 2, 1937 to Irma and Marcus Basser, she attended Bloomfield High School and graduated from the University of Rhode Island. She later earned a master’s degree from Montclair State.
Nan taught English at Lincoln Junior High School and Mountain High School in West Orange. She had a long and successful teaching career for over 30 years. She was an innovative, caring teacher admired by many of her students even long after she stopped teaching.
Upon her passing, Nan was remembered by many former students as a life-changing teacher who always had a warm smile, a listening ear and helped instill in them a love of reading. After she retired, she taught at Warren County Community College.
Nan loved books including Shakespeare and modern literature, mythology, film and dogs. She was fascinated with genealogy and was the keeper of old family photographs and stories about the generations before her. She was philanthropic and supported many causes over the years.
In 1986, Nan created the Andrew Warner Hoffman Memorial Fund in honor of her late son. For decades, the “Andy Fund” provided scholarship awards to student-athletes who embodied the spirit of teamwork and leadership. She was a social activist, and also a playwright. Nan wrote the book and lyrics for an off-Broadway production of “The Portrait of Dorian Gray.” Nan was an excellent seamstress and she loved making Halloween costumes for her niece and grandchildren.
Nan was a member of the Scottish Terrier Club of America and the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater New York. She held several positions in the New York club over the years. She also served the national club on the board of the STCA on Health Trust.
Nan was a lifelong Scottie owner, lover and breeder (Ryelea and Ronari). She enjoyed traveling the world, including Australia to see cherished family and watching the Mets and the Giants. She also enjoyed exploring national parks and visiting the Berkshires each summer. Nan loved spending time with her beloved friends and family.
Nan will be remembered for her brilliant mind, photographic memory and intellectual curiosity.
Nan was married to her sweetheart, Donald, for 41 years. She is survived by her son, Brian Basser, her stepchildren, Jeffrey (Debra) Barcan, Ellen (Brad) Molotsky, Leslie (Darrell) Barcan Madia, her sister, nieces and nephews, and seven grandchildren. Nan was predeceased by her husband, Donald Spencer Barcan and her son, Andrew Warner Hoffman.
Services took place April 8, 2022, at Beth Israel Cemetery, Woodbridge, with arrangements under the care of Menorah Chapels at Millburn, Union.
Donations may be made to the Rescue Program at the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater New York, Richard Cerny, Treasurer, 94 Frogtown Road, Rockaway, N.J. 07866.
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Kevin A. Canessa Jr. is the editor of and broadcaster at The Observer, an organization he has served since 2006. He is responsible for the editorial content of the newspaper and website, the production of the e-Newspaper, writing several stories per week (including the weekly editorial), conducting live broadcasts on social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, and X, including a weekly recap of the news — and much more behind the scenes. Between 2006 and 2008, he introduced the newspaper to its first-ever blog — which included podcasts, audio and video. Originally from Jersey City, Kevin lived in Kearny until 2004, lived in Port St. Lucie. Florida, for four years until February 2016 and in March of that year, he moved back to Kearny to return to The Observer full time. Click Here to send Kevin an email.