NY Jets Brought Montclair Boy Joy Before He Died: 'They Already Won In My Eyes' NY Jets Brought Montclair Boy Joy Before He Died: 'They Already Won In My Eyes'
NY Jets Brought Montclair Boy Joy Before He Died: 'They Already Won In My Eyes' In 11 months, Braylon Hodgson’s body crumbled. Mentally, he was the same 13-year-old boy: Happiest holding a lacrosse stick and surrounded by his friends.  Physically, he couldn’t move. Braylon’s body was stiff. He needed a walker to get around and was losing the ability to talk. His parents, Kasey and Ryan, felt helpless, and wished they could do something for his pain. But Braylon only apologized to them. “I’m sorry,” he’d say.  Sorry that they had to see him in pain. Sorry that they couldn't do anything about it. The Montclair middle schooler had no choice but to get used t…
Kearny's Breanna Pifano, 20, Dies Weeks After Suffering Cardiac Event Kearny's Breanna Pifano, 20, Dies Weeks After Suffering Cardiac Event
Kearny's Breanna Pifano, 20, Dies Weeks After Suffering Cardiac Event Breanna Pifano, a 20-year-old student at Montclair State University, died on Monday, Sept. 18, after suffering a cardiac event earlier this month, according to her obituary. Breanna was born on Dec. 18, 2002 and was in her third year at MSU studying biology, with aspirations of becoming an optometrist.  A fundraiser was set up to assist the family with medical and funeral expenses. As of Friday, Sept. 22, more than $40,590 has been raised. My heart breaks over and over, still feel like this isn’t real. I can’t express how grateful I am to Breanna for always... Posted by Rebeca Lei…
'Rutgers Royalty': Basketball Legend Phil Sellers Dies At 69 'Rutgers Royalty': Basketball Legend Phil Sellers Dies At 69
'Rutgers Royalty': Basketball Legend Phil Sellers Dies At 69 Phil "The Thrill" Sellers, who rewrote the Rutgers Scarlet Knight record book and led the school to its only Final Four appearance, died on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at the age of 69, the school announced. Sellers is the all-time leader in points scored and rebounds at the school and captained the famous Final Four team that went undefeated in the regular season and was ranked fourth in the country.  The school retired Sellers' #12 jersey in 1988 and he was inducted into the Rutgers Hall of Fame in 1993.  Phil Sellers was Rutgers royalty. He was the greatest player on the greatest t…
Prominent Attorney, Former Hudson County Prosecutor Harold Ruvoldt Dies, 81 Prominent Attorney, Former Hudson County Prosecutor Harold Ruvoldt Dies, 81
Prominent Attorney, Former Hudson County Prosecutor Harold Ruvoldt Dies, 81 Harold Ruvoldt, Jr. a prominent attorney in North Jersey, died on Sunday, Sept. 17 at the age of 81, according to his obituary. Ruvoldt, who lived in Haworth and Jersey City, was a graduate of St. Peter's College, Seton Hall Law School and Rutgers University Business School, according to his obituary.  Ruvoldt was a trial and appellate lawyer working as a partner in private practice while also serving as a Hudson County prosecutor, Hudson County Counsel and Jersey City Counsel, his obituary reads.  "I met Harold when he...helped me with a personal legal issue," wrote one mourner …
Shelly Widder, 50-Year-Old Fanwood Resident, Dies Months After Husband Shelly Widder, 50-Year-Old Fanwood Resident, Dies Months After Husband
Shelly Widder, 50-Year-Old Fanwood Resident, Dies Months After Husband Shelly Widder, a 50-year-old Fanwood resident, died on Thursday, Sept. 7 at Overlook Hospital in Summit, according to her obituary. Shelly was predeceased by her husband Charles, who died in in April. She is survived by her four children, Charles, 22, Hayden, 20, Colin, 17, and Claire, 15.  Shelly, who received her master's degree in data analytics from the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, was someone who was actively involved in her kids sports teams and never missed a game, her obituary reads . A fundraiser has been set up to assist her four children with any financi…
Hundreds Turn Out For Funeral Of Former Pascack Valley HS Football Captain Devin Wolfe, 30 Hundreds Turn Out For Funeral Of Former Pascack Valley HS Football Captain Devin Wolfe, 30
Hundreds Turn Out For Funeral Of Former Pascack Valley HS Football Captain Devin Wolfe, 30 Joe Wolfe always knew his son was well-liked, but he didn't fully understand how loved he was until his funeral last week. Devin Wolfe, 30, who grew up in River Vale, died in a car accident on Long Island on Saturday, Sept. 9. His former teammates, friends from childhood, peers from college at Johnson & Wales University, coworkers, coaches, teachers, and relatives flew and drove out to Bergen County for Devin's services Thursday, Sept. 14 and Friday, Sept. 15. Seeing the nearly one thousand of them lining up for visitation at Becker Funeral Home and spilling out of pews at the funeral …
'One Of A Kind': Trey Montalvo, Hoboken Resident, Dies At 25 'One Of A Kind': Trey Montalvo, Hoboken Resident, Dies At 25
'One Of A Kind': Trey Montalvo, Hoboken Resident, Dies At 25 Trey Montalvo, of Hoboken, died suddenly on Thursday, Sept. 7 at the age of 25. "He was a funny, sweet young man with the most caring heart and constantly showed it through his actions towards his family, friends and loved ones," Desiray Bibber, who organized a fundraiser for Montalvo's funeral expenses said. This really broke my heart today 💔 finding out that this young man who loss his Mother 6 yrs ago, and his Father 5 yrs... Posted by Frank Sparky Guzman on Friday, September 8, 2023 As of Thursday, Sept. 14, more than $21,000 has been raised.  Tonight our staff over here at Wha…
Death Of Jersey City's Beth DeTraglia Breaks Hearts Death Of Jersey City's Beth DeTraglia Breaks Hearts
Death Of Jersey City's Beth DeTraglia Breaks Hearts Beth DeTraglia, a Jersey City resident, died on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at Jersey City Medical Center from liver and lung cancer, according to her obituary. DeTraglia was born in Syracuse on Nov. 18, 1967 and graduated from Ithaca College and earned her Master's from Syracuse, her obituary reads.  She was a project manager who previously worked for Penguin and McGraw-Hill, according to her obituary. Beth Dooher DeTraglia I miss you so much. There are no words to describe how difficult it is to lose such a close... Posted by Cristina Wager-Weisman on Thursday, August 31, 2023 DeTragl…
Lakewood Salsa Dancer ID'd As Victim Of Howell Rollover Crash Lakewood Salsa Dancer ID'd As Victim Of Howell Rollover Crash
Lakewood Salsa Dancer ID'd As Victim Of Howell Rollover Crash Police have identified the 51-year-old man from Lakewood killed when his vehicle overturned in Monmouth County, authorities said. Victor Ardiles was killed in the single-vehicle crash at 11:02 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 near Lanes Mill Road and Lanes Pond Road, Howell Township police said.  Ardiles was operating an SUV in the eastbound lanes of Lanes Mill Road when he ran off the road on a curve and struck a concrete mailbox, police said. Ardiles struck a brick landscaping wall and flipped over, police said.  Ardiles, who was trapped inside, was pronounced dead at the scene. Th…
'A Piece Of One's Childhood Gone': Generations Mourn Passing Of Lodi Candy Shop Legend 'A Piece Of One's Childhood Gone': Generations Mourn Passing Of Lodi Candy Shop Legend
'A Piece Of One's Childhood Gone': Generations Mourn Passing Of Lodi Candy Shop Legend “And boom, just like that, a piece of one’s childhood is gone,” a longtime admirer said after learning that Lodi candy shop legend Vincent Cardazone had died. “Heaven just became a whole lot sweeter,” said another of many who shared memories of Cardy’s Sugar Bowl and its amiable 84-year-old proprietor. Cardazone's children announced his Wednesday night Sept. 6 passing simply and elegantly with a broken heart emoji and a link to a video of Frank Sinatra singing "My Way" at Madison Square Garden on the Cardy's Facebook page. Misfortune decades ago put Cardazone behind the counter where he’d …
'The Guy Who Never Stopped Smiling' Pilot Killed In NJ Helicopter Crash Mourned 'The Guy Who Never Stopped Smiling' Pilot Killed In NJ Helicopter Crash Mourned
'The Guy Who Never Stopped Smiling' Pilot Killed In NJ Helicopter Crash Mourned Condolences are pouring in for Josef-Ram Yitzhak, the Israeli pilot who died in a Central Jersey helicopter crash last week. The 44-year-old pilot, whose LinkedIn page says he's from Netanya, died when his Robinson R22 copter went down in a South Brunswick canal near Princeton at 3:15 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 31, local officials said. Since then, tributes have cropped up on social media. Josef-Ram Yitzhak We met at work a few years ago at the airport in New York, we immediately connected, we would go out... Posted by Mor Avinoam on Saturday, September 2, 2023 Yael Rubinstein r…
Frank Pawlowski, Former Bayonne Police Chief Dies, 80 Frank Pawlowski, Former Bayonne Police Chief Dies, 80
Frank Pawlowski, Former Bayonne Police Chief Dies, 80 Frank Pawlowski, who served as Bayonne Police Chief from 1997 to 2004, died on Monday, Aug. 28 at the age of 80, Mayor Jimmy Davis announced. Pawlowski was born and raised in Bayonne, helping his father run Pop's Corner, which was known for its roast beef sandwiches, according to his obituary. After serving in the Army, Pawlowski joined the Bayonne Police Department, where he served for almost 40 years, Davis said.  "I worked under Chief Pawlowski for many years during my career with our police department and always found him to be well respected, fair, and dedicated to the people of …
Nicholas Martinez, Newark Native Dies, 29 Nicholas Martinez, Newark Native Dies, 29
Nicholas Martinez, Newark Native Dies, 29 Nicholas Martinez, a Newark native, died on Tuesday, Aug. 22, according to his obituary. Martinez was born on Oct. 22, 1993 and worked at Phillip Jeffries in Fairfield, according to his Facebook page. He is survived by his daughter Valerie and his father, Richard, his obituary reads.  Oh man Nick where do I began papa. 14 years as friends, brothers, therapists and much more. We fought, cried, hugged,... Posted by Cristian Vega on Thursday, August 24, 2023 "I worked with Nicholas at Phillip Jeffries," wrote one mourner.  "Nick was such an amazing person with a huge heart."…
Parents Of Drowned NJ Toddler See Surge Of Support Parents Of Drowned NJ Toddler See Surge Of Support
Parents Of Drowned NJ Toddler See Surge Of Support The drowning of a New Jersey toddler has prompted a wave of support for his parents. Witten Steigerwald, 18 months, was found in a pool in Spotswood and wasn't breathing around 11:20 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, officials in Middlesex County said.  Responders performed CPR, and Witten was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. "No one is ever prepared for the loss of a child and as such no funeral preparations had been made," Witten's uncle, Scott Steigerwald, said on a GoFundMe page for his brother, Kevin, and Witten's mother, Renee. "Their family is now suddenly havin…
NJ High Schooler Savanna Diana Dies, 16 NJ High Schooler Savanna Diana Dies, 16
NJ High Schooler Savanna Diana Dies, 16 Savanna Diana, a 16-year-old rising junior at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, died on Saturday, Aug. 19, her family announced. Diana loved to draw and paint and was considering going to art school, according to her obituary.  She also was an avid animal lover and had a bunny, Nesquik, a chinchilla, Smokey, and a bearded dragon, Miso, her obituary reads. She also enjoyed attending car shows with her brother, Jack. Diana is survived by her mother, Stephanie, her stepmother, Wendy, her three brothers, Kyle, Ryan and Jack, and other family members and friends. Our deepest sympathi…
Pat Kramer, Longtime Paterson Mayor, Dies At 90 Pat Kramer, Longtime Paterson Mayor, Dies At 90
Pat Kramer, Longtime Paterson Mayor, Dies At 90 Lawrence Francis "Pat" Kramer, who spent almost his entire life in Paterson, the city where he served as mayor for 12 years, died on Thursday, Aug. 24. He was 90 years old. Kramer grew up on East 42nd Street and 18th Avenue, and attended what is now John F. Kennedy High School. After graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Kramer ran on the Republican ticket for mayor, and was elected in 1966. Kramer's first term of mayor was from 1967 to 1972, before he was asked to head up the Commission of Public Affairs. Following that stint, he ran for mayor again, serving from 1975 to 1982. He…
NJ Teen Took Fatal Leap From NYC Hotel Rooftop After Breakup: Report NJ Teen Took Fatal Leap From NYC Hotel Rooftop After Breakup: Report
NJ Teen Took Fatal Leap From NYC Hotel Rooftop After Breakup: Report Community support is growing for the family of a 17-year-old boy from Central Jersey who went missing and was later found dead. Noah Legaspi, of Metuchen, went missing on Thursday, Aug 17. He was last heard from in Perth Amboy.  On Wednesday, Aug. 22, Noah's family announced he had been found dead, after having jumped from the Deutsche Bank Center in New York City, according to the NY Daily News. According to the outlet, Noah and his girlfriend had broken up just before he got into a taxi and somehow ended up in New York City. Noah rode a freight elevator to the Columbus Circle b…
'This Is Us' Star Ron Cephas Jones, Of Paterson, Dies At 66 'This Is Us' Star Ron Cephas Jones, Of Paterson, Dies At 66
'This Is Us' Star Ron Cephas Jones, Of Paterson, Dies At 66 Ron Cephas Jones, a Paterson native who won two Emmys for his role on "This is Us", died on Sunday, Aug. 19 at the age of 66. Jones attended John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson and graduated from Ramapo College. He starred in movies like "He Got Game," "Sweet and Lowdown" and "Across the Universe" and guest starred on "Law and Order," "NYPD Blue" and "Mr. Robot." "This is Us" which premiered in 2016, was Jones signature role. He played William Hill, who reconnects with his son, who was given up for adoption as a newborn. Jones was nominated for four Emmys, winning two in 2018 and 2020. …
Passaic County Toddler Dies After 3-Year Cancer Battle Passaic County Toddler Dies After 3-Year Cancer Battle
Passaic County Toddler Dies After 3-Year Cancer Battle Liam Marquez, the honorary chief of the Totowa Fire Department, died on Thursday, Aug. 17, following a three-year battle with cancer. Liam was just a newborn when he was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancerous tumor that he battled for all three years of his short life. "Chief Liam truly exemplified courage, strength, and bravery as he battled cancer," the Totowa Fire Department said in  Facebook post. "Liam’s legacy will forever live on in our department, and his family will remain in our thoughts and prayers. We love you Liam." The Little Falls PBA remembered Liam as …
Death Of Devoted North Jersey Dad, Longtime Volunteer James Finan At 48 Prompts Wave Of Support Death Of Devoted North Jersey Dad, Longtime Volunteer James Finan At 48 Prompts Wave Of Support
Death Of Devoted North Jersey Dad, Longtime Volunteer James Finan At 48 Prompts Wave Of Support North Jersey is coming together to show support following the death of a devoted father and longtime volunteer. James (Jim) Finan died Monday, August 2, aged 48, his obituary says. Raised in Congers, NY, Jim graduated from North High School in 1992 before attending The Catholic University of America, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting four years later. Jim’s successful pursuit of a finance career ultimately steered him toward his “childhood dream job” at Marvel comics, and later to Mediabrands, where he worked as the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, his memorial …
Penn State Grad Found Dead In Los Angeles: Coroner Penn State Grad Found Dead In Los Angeles: Coroner
Penn State Grad Found Dead In Los Angeles: Coroner A 25-year-old Pennsylvania man and PSU grad was found dead in his Los Angeles County, California apartment, authorities say.  Elias 'Eli' Crone was found dead of asphyxia caused by hanging at 9:09 a.m. on Monday, July 31, 2023, according to the LA County Coroner's officer.  Eli was born in Wrightsville on June 8, 1998, authorities say. He studied at Lancaster Catholic High School where he played baseball and football, which he previously shared on social media.  He went on to graduate as a member of the class of 2020 at Penn State University, according to social media. He worked at El Serr…
Linden ShopRite Worker Who Battled Brain Cancer For 17 Years Dies: 'Always Been A Fighter' Linden ShopRite Worker Who Battled Brain Cancer For 17 Years Dies: 'Always Been A Fighter'
Linden ShopRite Worker Who Battled Brain Cancer For 17 Years Dies: 'Always Been A Fighter' Victor Vilela, a 42-year-old Elizabeth native, died on Monday, July 24, after a 17-year battle with brain cancer, according to his obituary. Born in Elizabeth, Vilela was an active member of a brain tumor support group and worked at Elizabeth General Hospital, ShopRite in Linden and Wegmans in Woodbridge, his obituary reads. He is survived by his wife, Meghan, his son, Mauricio, his parents, Maria and Acacio, his sister Sonia as well as other family members, according to his obituary. Following his death, Vilela's tribute wall was filled with remembrances. "Your sense of humor had everyon…
NJ Corrections Officer Dies While Working At Youth Facility, Campaign Says NJ Corrections Officer Dies While Working At Youth Facility, Campaign Says
NJ Corrections Officer Dies While Working At Youth Facility, Campaign Says A youth officer with the New Jersey Department of Corrections died over the weekend. Senior Correctional Police Officer Emiliano Serrano, of Camden, died on Sunday, Aug 6. He worked in Burlington County. A Marine Corps veteran, Serrano died at work, a GoFundMe page said, but the exact circumstances of his death were unclear. Serrano began his NJDOC career in 2007. He was assigned to the Garden State Youth Correctional Facility, where he served with honor, according to the department. "He will be greatly missed," the department said on Facebook. His mother will be looking over his two son…
'He Was Our Superman:' North Jersey Dad’s Colon Cancer Death At 33 Prompts Wave Of Support 'He Was Our Superman:' North Jersey Dad’s Colon Cancer Death At 33 Prompts Wave Of Support
'He Was Our Superman:' North Jersey Dad’s Colon Cancer Death At 33 Prompts Wave Of Support The death of a devoted North Jersey father of two following a brave battle with colon cancer has prompted a massive outpour of community support. Theodore “Ted” Allen died Thursday, August 3 after battling the disease for 19 months, his obituary says. He was 33. Ted grew up in Basking Ridge, graduating from Ridge High School in 2007. He then attended Gettysburg College, where was a recognized member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and played NCAA football. After completing college, Ted spent time as a Senior Consultant at Deloitte and later worked as the Assistant Vice President of Fore…
North Jersey Teen Dies During Medical Episode In Waters Of Playa Del Carmen, Campaign Says North Jersey Teen Dies During Medical Episode In Waters Of Playa Del Carmen, Campaign Says
North Jersey Teen Dies During Medical Episode In Waters Of Playa Del Carmen, Campaign Says Support was surging for the family of a 17-year-old Passaic County boy who died when he suffered a medical episode during a family vacation in Playa Del Carmen. Alexander "Alex" Schambelan, of Hewitt, was swimming at the beach in Playa Del Carmen with his parents, Josephine and Sean, on Tuesday, July 18, when Josephine noticed Alex face down in the water, according to a GoFundMe launched for the family. "She gave him a push and called out to him; then another, and another," reads the page, launched by Josephine's coworker, Bianka Reyes. "She grabbed him by his trunks to propel him toward th…
Dad Had Taken Off Work To Give Kids Dream Day Before Drowning In NJ River, Family Says Dad Had Taken Off Work To Give Kids Dream Day Before Drowning In NJ River, Family Says
Dad Had Taken Off Work To Give Kids Dream Day Before Drowning In NJ River, Family Says The day Rolando Camarillo-Cholula died was supposed to have been a dream day for his kids. The 43-year-old South River dad heard his three children were in low spirits, and so, he called out of work in hopes of lifting their spirits on Wednesday, Aug. 2, according to a GoFundMe launched by his niece. "He took his kids to go see their mom at work, enjoyed a good breakfast together, did karaoke in the car, before heading their way to enjoy a walk in good weather," Isaura Lopez writes on a GoFundMe page. Rolando took the kids to their favorite walking path and swimming spot along the Mil…
Hudson County Math Tutor Omar Pershad, 30, Mourned As 'Old Soul, Fast Walker' Hudson County Math Tutor Omar Pershad, 30, Mourned As 'Old Soul, Fast Walker'
Hudson County Math Tutor Omar Pershad, 30, Mourned As 'Old Soul, Fast Walker' Omar Pershad, a 30-year-old Jersey City resident, died on Saturday, July 22, according to his obituary. Pershad was a mathematics tutor at Hudson County Community College and a graduate of Hudson County Community College, New Jersey City University and New Jersey Institute of Technology, his obituary reads. He was described as an "old soul", who enjoyed dancing, music, meeting new people and was a voracious walker, according to his obituary. My friend. My brother. The guy who always say “I’m proud of you bro “ We had a great childhood together. From frying... Posted by Trini Chris on&n…
NJ's Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver Mourned As Trailblazer NJ's Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver Mourned As Trailblazer
NJ's Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver Mourned As Trailblazer Sheila Oliver, the lieutenant governor of New Jersey, died on Tuesday, Aug. 1, her family announced. She was 71 years old. Oliver, who was born and raised in Newark and lived in East Orange, had been serving as acting governor while Gov. Phil Murphy was vacationing in Italy. She was taken to a hospital on Monday, July 31 for an undisclosed medical issue. In a statement, Murphy said he and his family were "incredibly saddened and distraught" to hear of her passing. "When I selected her to be my running mate in 2017, Lieutenant Governor Oliver was already a trailblazer in every sense of…
Friends Killed In Route 18 Crash Remembered With Motorcycle Ride Friends Killed In Route 18 Crash Remembered With Motorcycle Ride
Friends Killed In Route 18 Crash Remembered With Motorcycle Ride Several events have been planned to remember two young friends and motorcyclists killed in a multi-vehicle crash earlier this week in Monmouth County. Ka'shon K. Cross, 18, of Hazlet, and Gregory K. Tuft, of Keansburg, were identified as victims in a fatal collision with three cars along Route 18 in Marlboro on Monday, July 24, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. So sad to hear about the passing of Gregory Tutt. This kid was always so kind and genuine. Always a smile on his face... Posted by Anthony Viera on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 A balloon release organized for Gregor…
NJ Police Officer, Expectant Father Samuel Irvin Dies Suddenly At 23 NJ Police Officer, Expectant Father Samuel Irvin Dies Suddenly At 23
NJ Police Officer, Expectant Father Samuel Irvin Dies Suddenly At 23 Tributes and condolences are pouring in after the sudden death of a Central Jersey patrolman and expectant father. Samuel Cooper Irvin, a Columbus resident and a member of the Mansfield Police Department in Burlington County, died Sunday, July 23. He was 23 years old. Samuel attended Northern Burlington Regional High School, where he played baseball, football, and basketball before graduating in 2018, his obituary says. He went on to earn his AAS from Mercer County Community College, as well as a BA in Criminal Justice from Wilmington University. Most recently, he graduated from the Glouc…
Passaic Teen Killed In Motorcycle Crash: PA State Police Passaic Teen Killed In Motorcycle Crash: PA State Police
Passaic Teen Killed In Motorcycle Crash: PA State Police Luis Perez Cedeno, a Passaic, New Jersey resident, died after a motorcycle crash in Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 22, according to state police. He was 19.  He was headed south on Laurel Run Road in Bear Creek Township near Wilkes-Barre when he lost control of his motorcycle and hit a utility pole head-on, troopers said in a report.  Luis was rushed to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, state police said. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.  Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he was a longtime resident of Passaic, according to his obi…