Obituaries for the June 8, 2016 edition of The Observer

Helen ‘Lynn’ Caputo

Helen Caputo, of Kewaunee, Wisc., died Monday, May 9, at home.

She was 51.

Helen was born June 13, 1964, in Kearny to Frank Caputo Sr. and the-late Helen Vanderham.

Survivors include a daughter and her fiancé Alicia Caputo and Robert Fabian; a son, Mitch Bender; three grandchildren Olivia, Hannah and Seth; two brothers, Frank Caputo Jr. (Diane) and Daniel Caputo; two sisters, Louann Hill and Allyson Caputo; two stepsisters, Tracy and Nealy Robinson; and one stepbrother Corey (Yvonne) Robinson.

Buchanan Funeral Home, Kewaunee, Wisc., was in charge.

Visit www.buchananfh.com to send condolences or to sign an online guest book.

Evelyn Kelly

Evelyn Kelly (nee DeFriese) passed away on May 28.

She was 96.

Born in Mahwah, she lived many years in Kearny and Brick.

A memorial service took place at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, on Saturday, June 4. To leave online condolences, visit www.armitagewiggins.com.

Evelyn was very involved with the church and was famous for her baked goods.

Wife of the late John Kelly, she is survived by her daughter Patricia Horvath and her grandson Stuart and his wife Daisy. Her son-in-law Frank Horvath predeceased her.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 663 Kearny Ave., Kearny, N.J. 07032.

Grace A. Hartigan

Grace A. Hartigan (nee Hahn), of Kearny, passed away at home on May 29.

She was 91.

Visiting was Wednesday, June 1, at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Mass was celebrated Thursday, June 2, at St. Cecilia’s Church, Kearny. Entombment was after Mass in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Grace had been a medical secretary for three physicians.

She was a member of the St. Cecilia Seniors and Rosary Society.

Wife of the late Dennis A. Hartigan, she is survived by her children Ann G. Lindenfelser (Ken), the Rev. Dennis P. Hartigan, S.D.B., John “Jay” Hartigan and Grace C. Murphy (Kevin). Sister of Christina Chew, she is also survived by eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and her devoted niece Florence Dow.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider helping Grace’s great-granddaughter by supporting Corey’s Army at www.gofundme.com/bobcatsfightcancer.

Josephine Babiarz

Josephine “Ceal” Babiarz (nee Mushalla) died May 30, at the Arbor Glen Nursing Center in Cedar Grove.

She was 90.

Born in Wilkes Barre, Pa., she lived in Harrison for 30 years before moving to North Arlington 35 years ago.

She worked as a waitress at Eagan’s Restaurant in North Arlington for 40 years before retiring in 2001.

She was the beloved wife of the late Chester S. Babiarz Sr.; the cherished mother of Chester S. Babiarz Jr. and his wife Carol of Shohola, Pa., Charlotte A. Smaldone of North Arlington and Joseph M. Babiarz and his wife Valerie of Fort Collins, Colo.; the adored grandmother of Chester S. Babiarz III and his wife Candace of Henryville, Pa.; the loving great-grandmother of Eleanor Josephine; the dear sister of Anna Giza of Mountain Top, Pa., Russell Mushalla of Manchester, N.J., the late Helen Crop and late Dorothy Slumski; the dear sister-in-law of Florence Subsak of Wilkes Barre, Pa.; and the loving aunt of many nieces and nephews.

The funeral was at the Parow Funeral Home, North Arlington, on Friday, June 3. Mass was celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, North Arlington, Friday, June 3.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105.

Pascual Martin

Pascual Martin died May 29.

He was 94.

Born in Cuba, he lived in Newark before moving to Kearny in 1973.

Visiting was Tuesday, May 31, at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Mass was celebrated Wednesday, June 1, at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Entombment was after Mass in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Pascual is survived by his wife Abdulia (nee Garcia), his children Manuel Martin, Ana Treglia and Maria Martinez. Brother of Victor and Ana Maria Martin, he is also survived by his grandchildren Michael and Christina.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Sisters of Charity. Checks may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, N.J. 07032.

Ronald A. Calvanico

Ronald A. Calvanico died May 27 in Morristown Memorial Hospital.

He was 69.

Born in Jersey City, he lived in Kearny and Belleville for the past five years.

Relatives and friends met Friday, June 3, at the Armitage Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny, and processed to Arlington Cemetery, Kearny, for a graveside service.

Ron is survived by his wife Charlene (Miller), his children Alisa Del Freo and Anthony Calvanico and his grandchildren Autumn, Lucas, Anthony and Andrea.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Diabetes Foundation.

Josephine Delgiodice

Josephine Delgiodice (nee Leonardo), affectionately called “Nana,” passed away on May 31 at home.

She was 92.

Born in Jersey City, she lived in Kearny before moving to Lyndhurst 16 years ago.

Visiting was June 3 at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. The service was June 3 at the funeral home. Burial was after the service in Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Wife of the late William Delgiodice, she is survived by her children Josephine Dalessio, Roma LaRosa and William Delgiodice. Sister of Ruth Marotti, she is also survived by nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice would be appreciated.

Thomas G. Gerulat

Thomas G. Gerulat of Kearny died on June 1 at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville.

He was 87.

Visiting was Monday, June 6, at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. The service was after the viewing at the funeral home. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Tom was the son of the late Anton and Mary Gerulat and the brother of the late Bernard and Jack Gerulat.

He was in Kearny High School class of 1946 and entered the Army Oct. 2, 1946, serving in the Airways and Air Communications Service Headquarters, 1934th AACS Squadron.

He was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sgt.

He was subsequently employed by Lockheed Martin and was instrumental in the development of the Polaris Missile System.

Tom is survived by caring neighbors and friends. May he rest in peace.

Josephine A. Balsamo

Josephine A. Balsamo (nee Piskowski) passed away peacefully on May 31 with her daughter by her side after a full, long and love-filled life.

She was 89.

Born in Harrison, Josephine lived in Newark and Kearny before moving to Chantilly, Va., in 1988. Josephine dedicated her life to her loving family, never leaving any doubt of her unconditional love for her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her dogs. She was an avid sports fan with a passion for the New York Giants. She was a devout Catholic and charitable in relieving the needs of others.

Beloved wife of the late Joseph R. Balsamo, she is survived by her son John Yenish (Gloria), daughter Josephine Balsamo Wood (late Michael), sister Irene Rossmell, sisters-in-law, Katherine Lucas and Dolores Balsamo and brother-in law Tony Balsamo (Pat).

Known as Grandma Tippy, she was an adored grandmother to Eric, Bryan (Anne Marie) and Adam (Danielle).  She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Cinthea, Michelle, Brandon, AJ and Andrew. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved dogs, Jethro and Bennie.

Family and friends were received at the Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, Livingston. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, June 6, at St. Philomena’s Church, 386 S. Livingston Ave., Livingston.  Interment was thereafter in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

Donations may be made in Josephine’s name to Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 115 S. Third St., Harrison, N.J. 07029.

Joseph Manuel Trillo

Joseph Manuel Trillo died suddenly on May 12, in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Fla.

He was 63.

Born Feb 18, 1953, in Jersey City, he was raised in Kearny and graduated in 1971 from Kearny High School. Joe served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS El Paso (LKA-117) stationed in Norfolk, Va.

Cars were his passion since his teen years and he perfected his skills and became an ace auto mechanic for the greater part of his life. He was co-owner of Accurate Automotive in Belmar. For the past 11 years, Joe was a licensed real estate agent and sold residential properties in the Indian Rocks Beach, Fla., area.

Joe was predeceased by his spouse Susan (Pershing) Trillo, his mother Mercedes (Ventoso) Trillo and father Manual (Sabia) Trillo from A’ Coruna, Spain.

He is survived by two sons, Brian and Gregory, and their mother, Diana Trillo; three brothers, Lou, Bob and Dan; many nieces and nephews in Florida and New Jersey; and his two loyal and beloved dogs, Midnight and Chia.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m., June 18, at Glenwood Cemetery, 186 Monmouth Road, West Long Branch. A celebration of Joe’s life will take place after the service. All family and friends are invited.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute whatever you can to the Humane Society at www.humanesociety.org.

John A. Costantino

John A. Costantino, of Kearny, died on Sunday, June 5.

He was 90

Costantino was born and raised in Union City, lived in Bayonne and then North Arlington for 30 years and had been a resident of Kearny.

John was an Army Air Corp WWII Veteran. He was an innovative manager for many years in distribution of ladies sportswear. He also was owner of Ron Jon’s in Kearny for several years.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Veronica A. (nee Brzoska) Costantino in 2005. He is survived by his loving children, Barbara Stahley and her husband, Joseph; Bernadette Costantino, John Costantino and his wife, Jan; Robert Costantino and his wife Angela; Diane Neglia and Thomas Costantino and his wife, Iris and by his devoted grandchildren, Johanna, Joseph, Mary, Halley, Rachel, Kristen, Jenna, Steven, Chris and Andy. He is also survved by his dear great-grandchildren, Ozzy, Peter, Shelby, Mark and Abby and by his in-laws, Eleanor, Madeline and Philip.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral at Nazare Memorial Home, 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst on Friday, June 10, at 10 a.m., and then to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, North Arlington, where at 11 a.m., a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Entombment is in Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum, North Arlington.

Visiting hours are Thursday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Visit www.nazarefuneralhome.com.

Jane A. Gemmell

Jane A. Gemmell, 80, passed away on March 19, at St. Vincent’s Nursing Home, Cedar Grove.

A memorial service will be take place Saturday, June 11, at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 663 Kearny Ave., Kearny.

Gemmell was born in Kearny and lived in North Arlington for 71 years before moving to Belleville in 2009.

She worked in the purchasing department at Standard Tool & Manufacturing Co. in Lyndhurst for 20 years, retiring 19 years ago.

Jane was a proud member of the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, where she served consecutive terms as an elder and sang in the Chancel Choir.

She is survived by her dear friend Carole Couch and her three children Eva Maria Couch, Carole Alana Couch and Richard Henry Couch V.

Jane was predeceased by her parents Frank and Eleanor (nee Kinnear) Gemmell and her brother John Gemmell.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, Kearny.

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