Honoring Your Loved One
For Over 55 Years
Roxbury Township, Kathleen “Kathy” Christian, 56, of Succasunna, passed away January 10, 2022, at home. Born September 14, 1965, in South Amboy to John and Rita (Parent) Christian, she graduated in 1983 from Roxbury High School followed by Morris County Community College and the Plaza School of Technology. She worked with children in day care and fulfilled her passion working as an architectural drafter. In both, her exceptional creative and artistic abilities served her well as it did later with her nieces and nephews. Kathy was a woman of immense perseverance, overcame unfathomable obstacles whether recovering from serious illnesses or learning to walk again after a debilitating leg injury. She gracefully accepted these challenges and quietly inspired many with a beautiful, giving, heart that brought joy to many people.
Unmarried, Kathy called 13 nieces and nephews “Her” children and had a special name for each. She continued the tradition with 9 great-nieces and great-nephews. With her child like enthusiasm Kathy shared her creative talents with “Her” kids, with whom she spent hours painting, drawing, and storytelling and celebrating their every success. Kathy loved her family, which always came first and was the center of her world. She signed every note, “I love you with all my heart and soul, forever, and ever and ever.” Kathy lives on in each life she touched. All who met her felt her love.
Kathy is survived by her parents; siblings: Tim (Nicole) Christian; Linda (Don) Savage; David (Ellen) Christian; Mary (Russ) Moffitt; John (Dawn) Christian, sister-in-law, Laurie Christian; and “Her” children.
Donations: Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome Research, Pediatric Cardiology, Boston Childrens Hospital Trust, 401 Park Dr, Ste 602, Boston, MA 02215
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are by the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home,96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com)
Born in Philadelphia in 1931 to James Alexander (Cork, Ireland) and Marie Boyle (nee Gallagher) of Philadelphia, Jim had an active childhood with two brothers Donald (MaryRose) and Tom (Barb). Jim married Peggy Boyle (nee Margaret Anne Walker) on February 5, 1955 and they enjoyed 64 years of fruitful marriage together; Jim and Peggy had 7 children and they always provided a loving home for their family.
In 1963 the growing Boyle family (then with kids Jim, Ed, Joe, and Peggy) moved to Succasunna, NJ. Then came Maria, Chris and Bob. And what a tight-knit community it proved to be with active church life at St Therese’s Roman Catholic Church and in the neighborhood full of kids. The family participated in regular block parties filled with food, kids, horseshoes, and great conversations and perhaps a keg of beer, and birch beer for the kids. (It was kept cool in a cement hod with ice.) The horseshoe games were quite competitive – even when it got dark the other men would puff on their cigarettes and place them on the pin for an illuminated target. The Boyle’s regular Bridge nights filled the house with guests, snacks, and a cloud of blue smoke. It was a good life for the kids watching and learning about community, the neighborhood men playing basketball games on Saturday morning, us kids shagging golf balls for him (free labor), bowling leagues, softball games, and volunteering at Church Bingo on Monday nights (we especially remember the leftover Verrilli’s pizza.)
Jim earned his BS degree in Chemical Engineering from Villanova University in 1954. He enjoyed a long and successful career in the chemical industry working for BASF, Foster Wheeler and Allied Chemical, retiring in 2003 in his mid-70’s. Jim loved his job and was ready to keep going and going until BASF decided to move out of Mount Olive, at which point Jim decided to stay in Succasunna. He did spend some time back and forth from Louisiana/New Orleans, with BASF, before retiring, which afforded some memorable Mardi Gras fun and enjoying many Hurricanes at Pat O’briens together. He traveled extensively during his career, which took him to many different locations in the US and around the world, including spending time in Panama with the ROTC while in college. A favorite location for Jim and Peggy was Paris, France. He also loved going to live shows, earlier at the Paper Mill Playhouse and more recently at the Mayo Theater in Morristown. He and mom especially loved visiting Broadway. Les Mis was one of their all-time favorites.
Being very patriotic, he loved God, America and wholesome family values.
He practiced a purposeful life and being a good neighbor.
Jim also maintained lifelong friendships with many of his colleagues. One relationship was expressed by Don Fair’s daughter Beverly: she relayed that her dad Don was an only child, never had a brother, but if he did, he would have liked it to be Jim Boyle. He must have been close, who else would lend his Cape Cod house to a family of 9.
Among Jim’s many friends and acquaintances, Jim so loved times shared with John Evangelista, a kindred spirit, also an Engineer and a Knights of Columbus member. Neighborhood friends Ray and Connie Feeney, Steve Summerer and Josie were always there to shovel out and stop in on occasion to check on Dad. Jim also liked and highly respected his brothers-in-law Ed and Ber Walker, Ed Joscelyne, and Vince Ferrello who served in the war, all remembered as good uncles. More recently, Jim resurrected a Bridge group, meeting monthly, with Dessalee, Willadeen, and Robin.
Jim was also happy to hitch a ride with Joan Murphy to the Roxbury Senior Center Meetings and activities.
Jim loved the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, both in Morristown and in NYC in earlier times with wife Peggy and son Ed. The music of the Clancy Brothers with Tommy Makem filled our ears when we were growing up.
Jim, was proud to be, that red haired lad with ancestral ties to Donegal.
We can never forget how much Jim loved his cute, little Lucy, a silky, black-haired Dachshund rescue from Puerto Rico, who brought him so much joy.
Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife Margaret (Peggy) Boyle in 2019 and by his sons Edward in 2011 and Robert in 2021. He is survived by five remaining children: James A (and Loretta) Boyle of Allamuchy; Joseph (and Margaret) Boyle of Marquette, MI; Peggy (and Michael) Davo of Morristown; Maria (and Peter) Dankens of Andover, MA; and Christopher (and Karen) Boyle of Flanders. He also leaves his 14 grandchildren: Jackie, Tricia, James, Dan, Johanna, Sue, Olivette, Theo, Charlie, Catherine, Claire, Chris, Shane, and Scott; and nine great-grandchildren: Trevor, Ryan, Hadley, Gwen, Gabe, Kate, Evie, Jim, and Nate. He is also survived by his brother, Tom, of Ocean City, MD, and many nephews and nieces. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Friends and relatives may visit at the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home,96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com) on Thursday (January 13th) from 4 – 8 pm. The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Friday, 10 am, at St. Therese R C Church in Succasunna. The interment will follow at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Chester. A link to Zoom will be posted, as well, for the Viewing and Mass at the church on Friday.
You may watch the Funeral Liturgy on Friday by going to: YouTube.com st therese Succasunna nj
Mine Hill Twp., Stanley Richard Kowalick Jr., 63, passed away suddenly this past Sunday, January 9, 2022 in the presence of his long time companion, her daughter, and his brother. Stanley was a long time resident of Mine Hill, having left the town a few years and then came back. He was active in the Boy Scouts in his teen age years and was a troop leader of Troop 145. Stan will also be remembered for his role as the drummer and sound man for Golden Era as a teen and the No Surrender Band more recently.
Stan is survived by his estranged wife Lynn Curtis, his daughter Holly Kowalick, both of Dunlap, IL. He also leaves his brother Kenneth Kowalick of Kenvil, his companion Eileen Labar (of 15 years) and “second daughter” to him, Bryanna Labar. He also leaves his niece Krystal (and Dave) Polite and her children Dave Polite and Eva Polite of Stroudsburg, PA.
Friends may visit at the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home,96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com) on Saturday (January 15th) from 4 – 7 pm, with a family prayer at 6:30 pm.
Roxbury Township, Mr. George D Wurtemberg, 81, died mon January 7,2022 at St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover. He was born in Newark and grew up in Harrison. He graduated from the Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington and then joined the National Guard. He was a retired factory lab worker for the Benjamin Moore paint company in Newark. He also coached K U R C Football for Kearny Recreation. He was still active in athletics and weight lifting.
He as predeceased by his wife Patricia Wurtemberg in 2020, and is survived by his son George John Wurtemberg of Andover Township, and daughter Denise Honeywell of Roxbury Township. He also leaves his grandson James “Jimmy” Honeywell and brother John Wurtemberg of Hackettstown.
Friends and family may visit at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com) on Monday, January 10th from 7 – 9 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Wednesday, January 12th, at 10 a.m., at the Good Shepherd R C Church in Andover. The interment will follow at the Good Shepherd Cemetery.
Wharton, NJ. Mrs. Florence Regina Rybotski, 89, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2022 at the Troy Hills Center in Parsippany. She was born, raised and married in Wilkes-Barre, PA. She moved to New Jersey and raised a family in Lake Hopatcong. She worked for General Reliance Corp. in Wharton for many years before retiring. She was a member of Star of the Sea Church and was an active member of the Altar Rosary Society. She also enjoyed volunteering for the Deborah Foundation for many years. Florence was a sweet, generous and fun loving person who loved spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed dining out and the occasional gambling trips to Mount Airy! She will be dearly missed by all.
She was predeceased by her husband Edward Rybotski in 1999, and is survived by her 4 children; Albert (and Maryann) Rybotski of Hopatcong, Nancy Brau of St. Cloud, FL, Elaine Rybotski of Escondido, CA, and Irene (and Dominick) Calabrese of Succasunna. She also leaves her 6 grandchildren; Michael and Matthew Brau, Scott (and Dana) Barrish, Brandon George, Christiana and Anthony Calabrese.
Friends and family may visit at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com) on Saturday, January 15th from 9 – 10:30 a.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Therese R C Church, Main Street, Succasunna.
Robert Gustave Peterson (aka “Bob” “Rob” “Trebor” “Gus” “Pete” “The Big Swede”)
Born July 22, 1931 in Cleveland, OH to parents Gustavus Adolphus Peterson and Marie Shoemaker Peterson, Robert passed peacefully in his home on January 7, 2022 after an adventuresome 90 years.
Robert was the youngest of three children; he worshipped his older brothers Charles and Donald. After living a few years in Youngstown OH, his family moved to Chagrin Falls, OH to a beautiful home affectionally known as “Sky Farm”. Robert had the privilege to attend Western Reserve Academy, in Hudson, OH (Class of ’49). At WRA, Robert was the captain of the Football and Baseball teams, member of the student council and it was here where he developed some of his deepest lifelong friendships.
Robert attended Amherst College in Massachusetts attaining a BA, Economics (Class of ’53). While at Amherst, Robert played baseball and football, participated in band and glee club and proud member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. In the summers, Robert worked on the Lake freighters pulling Iron Ore on the Great Lakes and recalled fondly the steaming hot days and hard work alongside some of the most stunning landscapes in the country.
After graduation in 1953, Robert was drafted into the US Army. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, spent 9 months working at Fort Devens, and then shipped out to LaRochelle, France until 1955. This tour gave Robert the opportunity to see Europe for the first time and ignited a lifelong desire for travel.
Robert went on to obtain an MBA at the University of Michigan (Class of ’57). It was there he met and married Wanda Michaels, his wife of 52 years. After completing his degree, Robert started his career with the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company in Troy, NY. In 1962, Robert moved into a Planning Analyst role with Glens Falls Insurance which would later become Continental Insurance. Robert moved up the ranks as a senior executive in Continental’s corporate office in NJ until his retirement in 1992.
Robert and Wanda had three children and initially settled in Saratoga Springs, NY. Robert was a devoted husband and father, Little League and Softball coach and sideline cheerleader for his kids. One of Robert’s happiest accomplishments was his role in helping to develop a Softball league franchise in Saratoga in 1974 when there were no opportunities for his daughter Kirsten to participate in organized sport. Robert coached, managed the umpires, and wrote prolific overviews of the girls’ softball games in the local newspaper.
Robert cherished family weekends in upstate NY swimming and playing at nearby Lake George, family picnics at Saratoga State Park, the summer pilgrimage of the NY City Ballet, and of course the racetrack. Although he travelled around the country, Europe, and Australia throughout his years, Robert’s heart would always want to return to Chagrin Falls, OH and Saratoga Springs, NY.
In 1978, Robert and family moved to Morris Plains, NJ, and later to Princeton in 1988, before landing in Mount Arlington NJ in 2009.
As called out in his Western Reserve Academy yearbook, “Everyone just liked Robert.” His quick sense of humor and love of people drew others to him like flies to honey, and he was known to keep audiences for hours with his storytelling and banter. He famously took the time to speak to every single artist in every arts fair he attended and was the master of ceremonies for many a family or school reunion over the years. Even after losing his eyesight in 2020, Robert maintained a boundless positive spirit and continued to “hold court” with anyone within earshot.
Travel, Art, Literature, writing poems and puns, and music were some of Robert’s greatest passions. Robert was part of the church choir, played the clarinet, and was a gifted whistler. Robert’s musical tastes ran from Handel’s Messiah to Frank Sinatra to Broadway musicals, with Carousel, The King and I, and Showboat topping the list.
Robert had an unparalleled generosity of spirit. He was quick to give to several worthy causes and took great joy in remembering birthdays and sending Christmas gifts to friends and family far and wide. His attention to detail in gift giving was legendary, especially his long, personalized clever handwritten gift tags.
After Wanda’s death in 2011, Robert turned his attention to travel and became a superfan for Amherst athletics, particularly the women’s basketball team. Between November and March, if Robert wasn’t visiting family or friends, he could be found courtside cheering on the Mammoths alongside other elite alumni.
Robert is survived by his children, Kirsten (sp Dan Leslie) Erik (sp Lenette) and Zoe (sp Todd Ward) and five grandchildren (Sheila Peterson, Rebecca Peterson, Mika Leslie, Tucker Ward and Cooper Ward).
Robert’s Celebration of Life service will occur in June 2022, date and location to be determined. In the meantime, please raise a cup of hot black coffee in Robert’s honor; his family welcomes your memories and pictures (please send c/o Zoe Ward at iamzpward@comcast.net or 2 Horton Drive, Chester, NJj 07930). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Vision Loss Alliance of NJ, or The Nature Conservancy.
Arrangements are by the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home,96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com)
Don J Rowe, of Hackettstown, N.J., died on January 5, 2022 at Morristown Medical Center, at the age of 61. He was born and raised in Newton and graduated Newton High School in 1978. He then earned his degree on Psychology before becoming a licensed HVAC technician. He worked for Climate Control, LLC in Haskell for 21 years. He loved motorcycles, football, and was a great Jets fan. He was a gentle, kind and hard-working man, who had a witty and playful sense of humor that put everyone at ease. He was loved by family, friends, and all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife Christine Rowe and stepdaughter Samantha Brain and her boyfriend Trent Briskie. He also leaves his many close friends. He was predeceased by his brother Robert “Bob” Rowe in 2015.
Friends and family may visit at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com) on Sunday, January 9th from 1 – 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name through his family, in care of Davis and Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main St. Succasunna, New Jersey 07876.
Barbara Ruth (George) Piccirillo, 74, of Flanders, NJ died on January 4, 2022. Born on March 24, 1947 in Glen Ridge, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Earle A. and Ruth (Anderson) George. After graduating from Rahway High School in 1965, she attended Bloomfield College where she prepared to be a Presbyterian minister. After being convinced by her parents to choose another vocation since women were not being ordained at the time, she found herself working as a Computer Programmer at Prudential in Newark, NJ where she met the love of her life, Dennis. They were married September 13, 1975 and eventually made a home together in Flanders, NJ. After getting married they became members of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Succasunna, NJ. St. Dunstan’s became a second home and family to them. Barbara was Parish Secretary for 15 years. She was a member of the choir, a Sunday school teacher, an LEM and their coordinator, gave sermons and Eucharist at Merry Heart Nursing Home, and was one of the cheeriest greeters you could ever meet. She was also very involved with the Episcopal Diocese of Newark as a member of the Diocesan Council and Deputy to Convention for many years. In 2012 Barbara & Dennis received the Hegg Lifetime Achievement Award for their contribution to the church.
Later in life Barbara was an educator in the Mt Olive School district. She was an animal and dog lover and a 43 year member of the Schooley’s Mountain Kennel Club where she was the education chairperson for several years. She volunteered at County College of Morris for 25 musical productions as house manager and running the box office. After her retirement, her greatest passion was being Nana. Barbara was an avid reader, lover of history, ruthless poker player, and known for her spectacularly painted nails.
In addition to her parents, Barbara is predeceased by her sister, Lauren Hammer. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Dennis, son, Andrew Piccirillo, and his wife Lisa, of Hillsborough, NJ; daughter, Laurie Piccirillo, and her partner Alexander, of Flanders, NJ; and her two beloved grandchildren Jamie & Rhiannon Piccirillo. She is also survived by her brother Richard George, and his wife Diane of Hillsboro, OR, and many nieces and nephews.
There will have a Celebration of Life at St. Dunstan’s Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s name to St. Dunstan’s Church, 179 S Hillside Ave, Succasunna, NJ 07876.
Arrangements are by the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home,96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com)
Mr. Robert Armand Nardone, Sr, 80, died on January 4, 2022. The son of Italian immigrants, Gennaro and Concetta, he was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and was a proud New Jersey resident for over fifty years. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Era and later earned his Master’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In the 1970’s he was the founder and proprietor of Nardone Sales Company and most recently he was a Purchasing Agent at the Lyons Veteran’s Hospital before his retirement. He was an avid Rutgers Football fan who loved movies, Doo-Wop music and most importantly spending time with his family.
He is survived by his sons; Michael Anthony Nardone, and his wife Renee Marie Nardone of Jefferson, NJ and Robert Armand Nardone, Jr. and his wife Julie Ellen Nardone of Jefferson, NJ. He also leaves his grandchildren; Robert Armand Nardone III, Vanessa Rose Nardone, Kimberly Pearl Nardone and sister Ann Mariani.
Friends and family may visit at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com) on Saturday, January 8th from 8 – 9 a.m. The Funeral Service will be held at 9 a.m. at the Funeral Home. The interment will follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn at 11:45 a.m. It is understood that some may not be able to attend during these unprecedented times, so a virtual option is being offered during the service.Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86172578923?pwd=V0lpK3I3dXBxSlBlRlJsUEp3UmhNUT09
Meeting ID: 861 7257 8923
Passcode: 043581
Roxbury Township, Mr. Anthony Richard Accola, 25, died on January 1, 2022. He was born in Livingston and lived most all of his life in Roxbury Township. He was a 2014 graduate of Roxbury High School, he then studied Morris County School of Technology in Denville, NJ. He was currently working as a hair stylist at Accola Hair Salon in Warwick, NY as well as J. Walker Concept in Basking Ridge, NJ. He was known for his unique approach to creating sophisticated color concepts and hair design with a New York City flair. A passion of his was donating his time and talent to cutting hair for the homeless as well as Cut-a-Thons to benefit childhood cancer.
He is survived by his mother Tammi Polidoro (and fiancé David Nuzzo) of Ledgewood, father Anthony Accola (and Kimberly) of Warwick, NY, 4 brothers and sisters; Gianna (and Christopher) Falzarano, Michael Accola, Nicholas Polidoro, and Vanessa Polidoro, all of Roxbury Township. He also leaves his maternal Grandmother Gail Duke of Rockaway, NJ, paternal Grandfather Anthony “Tony” Accola Sr., of Las Vegas, NV, Niece Vienna Falzarano, Uncle Jeffrey Tischio, Aunt Alexis Marricone, extended grandparents Grandma Lynn and Poppa G, and many close family and friends.
Visitation is at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home,96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com) on Wednesday (January 5th) from 3 – 8 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Therese R C Church, 151 Main Street, Succasunna, on Thursday at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Anthony R. Accola Scholarship, with checks made payable to: Desert Cove Recovery LLC. Checks can be mailed to 58 Fox Chase Lane, Ledgewood NJ, 07852.
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