Cornelius “Neil” Ford
Cornelius “Neil” Ford passed away on Dec. 1, after losing his battle with cancer. He leaves behind a loving daughter, two adoring grandchildren, and many devoted friends.
A lifelong resident of Harrison, he graduated from Essex Catholic High School in 1972 and went on to work at several institutions of the Harrison Industrial Age, including Otis Elevator and Driver-Harris. He was a member of Laborer’s Local 112.
Surviving are his daughter, Kristina Ford, grandson Russell Kennedy and granddaughter Olivia Richmond, as well as many cousins and great friends.
The viewing was held on Dec. 2 at the Condon Memorial Home, Harrison. A memorial Mass will be held in the new year, so that out-of-state relatives may attend.
Alan T. Kennedy
Alan T. Kennedy died at home on April 7. He was 52.
Born in Kearny, he was a lifelong North Arlington resident.
Private arrangements are being made by the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny.
Alan was a tool-and-dye maker for Standard Tool. He is the son of the late Alexander and Joan Kennedy and brother of the late Donald. He is survived by his fiancé Ellen Dunn along with relatives in Scotland and England.
To leave an online condolence, visit: www.armitagewiggins.com.
Alma D. Strauch
Alma D. Strauch (Gauch), 90, died on Dec. 6 in Arbor Glen Center, Cedar Grove.
Arrangements were by the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. The funeral service was held in the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 663 Kearny Ave., Kearny, followed by private cremation. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.thiele-reid.com.
Alma was born in Kearny and was a lifelong resident.
She was employed as an accounts payable clerk at Midlantic Bank in Bloomfield for 19 years, retiring many years ago.
Alma loved her family at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington where she served as an elder and deacon, and was a member of the Canterbury Guild, the Presbyterian Women and the Chancel Choir. She volunteered every year at the annual holiday fair on the first Saturday of November. She was also responsible for organizing and running the church rummage sale. She taught Sunday School for 19 years. Alma also served as a volunteer at the Kearny Public Library and was a former Girl Scout Leader.
She is survived by her children Janice R. Taub (David) and Robert A. Strauch; her siblings Frederick Gauch and Erna Moran; grandchildren Hillary Strauch, Jennifer Kissida and Timothy Kissida and three great-grandchildren. She was the mother-in-law of Virginia Strauch.
Alma was predeceased by her husband George J. Sr. and her son George J. Jr.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington c/o the Alma Strauch Fund.
Isabell Jones
Mrs. Isabell Jones, of Kearny, died on Monday, Dec. 5, in West Hudson Extended Care. She was 81. Services were held privately.
She was predeceased by her husband Pershing Gerald Jones and a son Gerald Jones.
Isabell is survived by her children, Ronald, Barbara and Glen Jones and seven grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as her niece, Barbara Weir.
Michael A. Toriglio III
Michael A. Toriglio III, died suddenly at home on Dec. 10. He was 51.
Born in Newark, he lived in Kearny before moving to Brick 20 years ago.
Visiting will be on Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Stephens Church, Kearny, followed by entombment in Holy Cross Mausoleum, North Arlington.
Michael served in the Marine Corps after High School and was a self-employed construction contractor. He loved fishing, hunting and playing golf. He was an avid Jets fan and enjoyed his membership at The Shore Acres Club.
He is survived by his parents Michael A. Jr. and Helen (nee Degnin), his sister Michele Regelsky and her husband Billy and his brother John Toriglio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Shore Acres Club, P.O. Box 4221, Brick, N.J. 08723. On line condolence may be left at www.armitagewiggins.com.
Annie McGowan
Annie McGowan (nee Durning), died on Dec. 11 at home. She was 94.
Born in Scotland, she lived many years in Forest Hills, Queens before moving to Kearny two years ago.
Arrangements were by the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr., Kearny. A funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 11 a.m. in St. Cecilia’s Church, Kearny, followed by internment in Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, N.Y..
Mrs. McGowan was very devoted to the Xaverian Missionaries and enjoyed her membership at the Scots and Irish Clubs. An avid ballroom dancer, she won many awards during her lifetime and had a beautiful singing voice. On several occasions, she was given the high honor of opening the Scottish Festival in Holmdel by singing the National Anthem.
She was the wife of the late Joseph; sister of Peggy Alessi, James Durning, Katie Duffy and the late Sadie Young, Alice Pisano and Neil and Hugh Durning. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and their families.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Xaverian Missionaries c/o the funeral home. Online condolence may be left at www.armitagewiggins.com.
Robert Dignazio
Robert Dignazio, 52, suddenly on Dec. 9.
Born in Newark, Robert lived his life in East Newark and Harrison. He was employed by JP Morgan as a senior system analyst. Robert was a 1977 graduate of Harrison High School and attended William Paterson University.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Renee (Lavornia), his children, son Robert F. (fiancée Jessica), and daughter, Nicole. He is the beloved son of Robert and Thelma Dignazio; cherished brother of Donna Marie (James T. Davies), JoAnn (James Botch), Marianne, and John (Cathryn). He is further survived by brother-in-law Frank Lavornia (Robin) and sisters-in-law Pauline and Marie as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and his faithful companion, Fluffy.
Bobby will always be remembered for his unique joie de vivre to “work hard and play hard”. His many masterful hobbies included gourmet cooking, the stock market, horse racing and the New York Rangers and Giants.
Arrangements were by the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison. A funeral mass was held in St. Anthony’s Church, East Newark, followed by interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Camp Fatima of New Jersey would be greatly appreciated by the Dignazio Family in care of the funeral home, in memory of Robert.
Harry A. Sauer
Harry Sauer, 81, died on Friday, Dec. 9 in the St. Michael’s Medical Center, Newark.
Mr. Sauer was born in Newark, lived in Lyndhurst, and moved to Kearny 40 years ago.
He was employed as a quality control manager for Becton Dickinson in East Rutherford for 35 years before retiring in 1997.
He is survived by his wife Frances M. (Rispoli), daughter Eva Turner and his sister Janet Wright.
Private arrangements were under the direction of the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home.
