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32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among At Least 11 Killed In LA Wildfires
A former child star and motivational speaker is among the victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, his family has confirmed.
Click here for a new, updated story - Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed
Rory Sykes, 32, an Australian who gained media attention as a boy for sharing his experiences living with disabilities, died on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at his family’s estate in Malibu, his mother, Shelley Sykes, announced in a post on X.
“It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yeste…
Former Knicks Exec, Bergen County Dad Chris Bernard Dies, 47
Chris Bernard, a Bergen County, NJ dad, former Adelphi University Hall of Fame basketball star and CEO who once worked in a VP role for the NY Knicks, has died. He was 47 years old.
As of Wednesday, Jan. 8, more than $220,000 had been raised on a GoFundMe launched to support Chris' wife, Amanda, and their three children, Roman, Jude, and Chloe, of Englewood. The campaign was launched by Dan Gladstone, a senior VP at the National Basketball Players Association.
Chris' death spread shock and sadness through the basketball community on a national level.
Tom Thibodeau on the passing of…
Journalist Richard Cohen, Husband To Meredith Vieira, Dies After Half-Century MS Battle
Journalist and author Richard Cohen has died after inspiring countless people through his decades-long battle with MS and cancer.
Cohen, the husband of former TODAY anchor Meredith Vieira, died on Tuesday, Dec. 24, TODAY reported. The Plainview, New York, native was 76 years old.
A veteran reporter, Cohen lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 50 years and overcame two cancer diagnoses during his life. He was also legally blind.
Cohen, who worked for CBS News, was given his MS diagnosis in 1973.
"I was diagnosed when I was 25 years old and essentially told there is no…
'Bald Ballerina' Maggie Kudirka Dies After Inspirational Cancer Battle, 33
The world lost an extraordinary spirit on Friday, Dec. 27, with the passing of Maggie Kudirka, lovingly known as the "Bald Ballerina. "Maggie, 33, succumbed to metastatic breast cancer at her home, surrounded by family, loved ones shared on Instagram.
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A post shared by Maggie Kudirka (@baldballerina)
The Joffrey Ballet School, where Maggie trained, mourned her loss, calling her a “beautiful warrior.” “Maggie’s passion and grace will forever inspire us,” they wrote, reflecting on her profound impact on the dance and c…
'Alice' Star Linda Lavin Dies, 87
Linda Lavin, the two-time Golden Globe winner and Emmy-nominated actress whose career spanned six decades on stage and screen, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29, at the age of 87, according to The New York Times.
Born in Portland, Maine, Lavin studied acting at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, where she was deeply involved in the theater program. Her career took off with her iconic role as Alice Hyatt on the hit TV series "Alice," which earned her two Golden Globes and cemented her as a household name.
A force on Broadway, Lavin captivated audiences with performances in multiple …
Jimmy Carter, Longest Living American President, Dies At Age 100
The longest living president in US history, Jimmy Carter, has died at the age of 100.
The death of the 39th chief executive was announced by the Carter Center.
He died Sunday afternoon, Dec. 29 at his residence in his lifelong hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he was born in October 1924.
James Earl Carter Jr., was the first ex-president to reach the age of 100.
Carter, then the Democratic governor of Georgia who had worked as a peanut farmer, defeated Gerald Ford in the 1976 race, the first presidential election after Richard Nixon's resignation in August 1974 following the Watergate af…
Charles Dolan, Founder Of HBO, Cablevision, Dies At 98
Charles Francis Dolan, a pioneer in the cable television industry and founder of HBO and Cablevision, died at 98.
Dolan died Thursday, Dec. 28, of natural causes.
Born Oct. 16, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, Dolan began his career producing and distributing sports and industrial films.
In the early 1960s, he founded Sterling Manhattan Cable, the first company to wire buildings for cable access in New York City. This led to exclusive deals with teams like the New York Knicks and Rangers.
In 1972, he launched HBO, the first premium cable channel, changing television by offering uncut movies and …
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Daily Voice
Retired Upper Saddle River Police Officer Craig Parrella Dies: 'The Guy You Could Count On'
Hearts broke across North Jersey on Christmas Eve as news spread of the passing of Craig Parrella, a retired Upper Saddle River Police officer and former United States Marine.
Parrella's wife, Lauren, shared the news of his passing in an emotional Facebook post on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
"Craig was quite simply one of the best people I ever knew," she writes. I have loved him since I was 22 years old and will love him until my last breath. He was kind, thoughtful, sweet, funny, selfless, talented, loving, and so much more.
"Craig gave me a love and adoration that most people don’t find in their…
MLB Stolen Base, Runs Scored King Rickey Henderson, Ex-Yankee, Met, Dies At 65
Rickey Henderson, Major League Baseball’s career steals and runs scored leader, widely considered to be one of the greatest leadoff hitters in baseball history, has died at age 65.
Henderson, who would have turned 66 on Christmas Day, died while hospitalized with pneumonia, according to multiple reports.
Persuaded by his mother to pursue baseball over football, Henderson began a 25-year career that saw him redefine speed and swagger in the sport.
Henderson debuted with the Oakland A’s in 1979, quickly capturing fans' hearts with his record-breaking stolen bases, powerful leadoff…
Prominent Cliffside Park Jazz Musician Danny Bacher Dies At 48
Danny Bacher, a renowned jazz musician and Cliffside Park resident, died at the age of 48, the Jazz Loft in Stony Brook announced. The cause was a heart attack, the Jazz Loft said.
A native of Wayne, Bacher was a singer, saxophonist, dancer and composer, who was also an author- having recently published a book about his collection of Laurel and Hardy merchandise, the Jazz Loft said.
A graduate of Wayne Hills High School, Bacher attended New Jersey City University, according to his Facebook. At the time of his death, he was working on a project about Harry Nilsson, the Jazz Loft said.
“I w…
Bergen County Mom, Teacher Jennifer Paradiso Dies, 44: 'Always Saw The Best In People'
Support is on the rise for the family of Jennifer Paradiso, 44, a Bergen County wife, mother of three, and longtime educator, who died on Thursday, Dec. 12.
“Jenn was an incredible wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend who always saw the best in people,” reads a GoFundMe page that had raised more than $22,800 as of press time.
Jenn battled cancer twice, once in 2015 and again in early 2023.
"Where most would have faltered or given up, she courageously continued her fight never once missing a beat," the campaign, launched by her family, continues.
Jenn was born and ra…
'Quiet, Humble' Teen Dies Days After Weekend Crash In Union County
Steven Marinero, an 18-year-old Plainfield resident died on Tuesday, Dec. 10 after suffering injuries in a car crash on Saturday, Dec. 7, according to a fundraiser set up to support his family.
Marinero, whose photo shows him celebrating graduation from Plainfield High School, was driving eastbound on East 2nd Street when he lost his control of his vehicle and crashed into a parked boat near the intersection, Tapinto reported.
"He was a wonderful brother, son and friend who touched the lives of those around him," Joseline Marinero, who organized the fundraiser wrote. Joseli…
'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' NJ Teacher Lauren Zucconi Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle
Lauren Zucconi, a Bergen County teacher, loving wife, and proud Long Beach Island homeowner, passed away on Monday, Nov. 25, after a decade-long battle with cancer, according to her obituary on the Volk Leber Funeral Home website. She was 36 years old.
Her unwavering mantra, “Never, never, never give up,” defined her courageous journey and inspired those around her.
Born in Westwood and raised in Chestnut Ridge, NY, Lauren excelled in academics and athletics, graduating from Spring Valley High School, where she met her soulmate, James Robert Nash, her obituary says. She went on to earn…
'Glue That Kept Friend Group Together,' Jersey City Dad Justin Chang Dies Suddenly, 42
A Jersey City family is grieving the loss of their patriarch, Justin M. Chang, who died unexpectedly in his sleep on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched for his loved ones. He was 42 years old.
Born in Vancouver, Canada, Justin is survived by his wife, Michelle, and their two children, Joshie (3) and Kylie (1).
Known for his unwavering faith and generosity, Justin touched the lives of many, always putting others first. Despite his recent battle with cancer, he faced every challenge with optimism and strength, reads the GoFundMe, launched by a group of lo…
Jake Mocko's Legacy: Morris County Mourns Loss Of Compassionate Young Leader
A Morris County community is mourning the loss of Jake Peter Mocko, a 20-year-old who passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 20, 2024, surrounded by family, his obituary on the Madison Memorial Home website says.
Jake, a Madison resident and digital design student, courageously battled Grade IV astrocytoma, a rare and aggressive central nervous system cancer, for three and a half years.
Jake worked at the front desk at the Madison YMCA, where he decided to start a dual language subscription so that he could learn to speak Spanish fluently, his obituary continues. Jake wanted to be able to h…
Westfield HS Mourns Loss Of Senior Athlete Brandon Genlot Killed In Crash
Brandon Genlot, a senior at Westfield High School, died in a car crash on Monday, Nov. 11, at the age of 17, according to his obituary from the Higgins and Bonner Funeral Home website and Union County Police.
It is with a broken heart that we announce the passing of our son, Brandon
A service to honor Brandon’s life will be... Posted by Donna Genlot on Tuesday, November 12, 2024
At 7:30 p.m. officers responded to a vehicle crash at Watchung Reservation on Sky Top Drive in Scotch Plains, Union County police said, and found a vehicle that had struck a tree and caught fire.&nbs…
Sparta's Tristan Lozada Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer, 8
Tristan Lozada, an 8-year-old Sparta resident died after battling brain cancer on Monday, Oct. 28, according to his obituary from the Shook Funeral Home website.
Tristan had moved to Sparta from Newark and enjoyed dancing, Halloween, and playing Roblox on his iPad, his obituary reads. He is survived by his parents, James and Monica, his brother James and his grandparents Mercede, Luzmila and Victor, according to his obituary.
A fundraiser was set up to assist his family with expenses while he battled the cancer, which was diagnosed in August 2023. As of Wednesday, Nov. 13, almost $38,…
Sussex County Dad, NJ Transit Worker Scott Williams Dies, 47
Scott Williams, a longtime NJ Transit employee and Sparta resident, died on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the age of 41, according to an obituary from the Goble Funeral Home website.
Williams, was born in Livingston and graduated from Sparta High School, before going to work at NJ Transit, where he worked for 17 years, according to his obituary
Williams is survived by his wife, Jillian, and his five children, Harvey, Eva, Charlotte, Lillian and Abigail, his obituary reads. He is also survived by his parents James and Janice, his siblings, Lindsey and Colleen, and numerous other family members and fri…
Reassuring Bergen County Dispatcher Erik Midgley, Man Of Many Talents, Dies Suddenly, 47
Erik J. Midgley, a dedicated Bergen County Public Safety dispatcher and lifelong community volunteer, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 10, according to his obituary on the Hunt-Stellato Funeral Home website. He was 47 years old.
Known for his reassuring presence during emergencies, Erik spent many years as the calming voice on the other end of the line for those in crisis, his obituary says. His legacy includes years of volunteer work with the Palisades Park and Fairview Ambulance Corps.
Erik worked as a public servant for more than 25 years, including 19 with the Bergen County…
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire
Shock and sadness spread following the death of 18-year-old firefighter Dariel Vasquez, who was killed on Saturday, Nov. 9, while bravely battling the Jennings Creek Wildfire that spread from New Jersey into Greenwood Lake, New York.
Vasquez, a young Parks and Recreation Aide with the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, lost his life in the line of duty, a heartbreaking end to a life full of promise and service. New York State Police are investigating the circumstances of his death.
Known as a rising star in his community, Dariel was a former R…
