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Funeral Services Set For NY Officer Killed In Off-Duty Crash (Update)
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Officer Jose A. Santiago Sr., who was killed in a wrong-way crash on Route 17 in New York, police said.
Orange County resident Officer Santiago of Washingtonville, 65, died at the scene of the crash on Saturday, March 22, after his vehicle was struck head-on by a van that crossed into the wrong lane near Exit 113 in the Sullivan County town of Mamakating, according to New York State Police and Washingtonville Police Chief Brian Zaccaro.
His wife, Blanca Santiago, 64, was injured in the crash and remains hospitalized in stable condition at G…
Kitty Dukakis, Wife Of Ex-Presidential Nominee, Dies
Kitty Dukakis, the wife of former Massachusetts Governor and presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, died on Friday, March 21, at the age of 88, her family said.
Her son, John Dukakis, said in a statement that the mother of three died "surrounded by family."
She was born on December 26, 1936, and lived a full life fighting to make the world a better place and sharing her vulnerabilities to help others face theirs. She was loving, feisty and fun, and had a keen sensitivity to people from all walks of life. She and our dad, Michael Dukakis, shared an enviable partnership for over 60 years…
David Diaz, Award-Winning TV Reporter For Wcbs, Wnbc, Dies
David Diaz, whose career as an award-winning TV news reporter in New York City spanned three decades, has died.
He was 82.
His death, which occurred last week, was announced on Monday, March 17 by WCBS.
Following 15 years with WNBC-TV, Diaz spent 12 years at CBS New York.
A native of Puerto Rico, Diaz relocated to upper Manhattan during his childhood. He earned a master's degree from Columbia after graduating from City College and Fordham Prep.
In a video tribute to Diaz, CBS Evening News co-anchor Maurice Dubois described Diaz as "a reporter's reporter," and a quintessential…
'Life Is Too Short': Tributes Pour In After Wrestler Dies At New Jersey Event
Vince Steele, a 39-year-old wrestler, who died after sustaining a medical emergency during a match in Ridgefield Park on Sunday, March 16, was a fixture in the New Jersey wrestling scene.
Steele, a.k.a. the Jurassic Juggernaut, was wrestling a four-way match for Brii Combination Wrestling at a Knights of Columbus on Bergen Avenue, when the incident occurred, BCW said.
According to PWInsider, the referee called for the bell and another referee began administrating CPR. Police used a defibrillator on Steele, whose real name was Vincent Rosa, and did not stop administering aid unti…
Nita Lowey, Powerful Congresswoman For Decades, Dies
Nita Lowey, a powerful member of Congress for decades while representing parts of downstate New York, has died.
She was 87.
Lowey, who represented much of Westchester as well as Rockland County, died on Saturday, March 15 at her home in Harrison, her family announced, saying the cause of death was complications from metastatic breast cancer.
Lowey, a Democrat, served in Congress from 1989 until 2021 after deciding not to seek re-election.
She sponsored more than 500 pieces of legislation, with over 400 successfully enacted into law.
Her most significant achievement was her ten…
Safinaz Matter, Longtime New Jerey Educator, Dies— Fundraiser Launched In Her Memory
A trailblazing educator who shaped generations of students has passed away.
Hajja Safinaz Matter, known to many as Tante Safi, Sr. Safi, or Ms. Safi, dedicated over 50 years of her life to teaching Arabic and inspiring young minds around the world. Her death was recently announced by her family.
She was the widow of the late Elsayed Elmenshawy and the sister of Atef, Farida, and Niveen. She was a grandmother to Ahmed, Mariam, Aly, Nour-Eldeen, Abdulrahman, Abdullah, Selma, Mohammed, Ahmed, Amaly, Yusuf, and Ameer.
Matter, a graduate of Al-Alsun specializing in Italian and French, later ear…
NJ Police Officer Dies After Cancer Battle, 35: Remembering Carlos Gonzalez, Jr.
Carlos Gonzalez, Jr., a police officer in Fanwood and Scotch Plains resident, died on Wednesday, March 5 after a battle with lymphoma, the borough said. He was 35.
Gonzalez was born and raised in Newark, graduating from East Side High School, according to an obituary posted by the Borough of Fanwood.
Earning a criminal justice degree from Kean University, he became a police officer in Newark, serving for six years before joining Fanwood in 2020, his obituary reads.
An avid New York Mets and wrestling fan. Gonzalez enjoyed spending time with loved ones, barbecuing outside, …
Paterson Podcaster, Car Enthusiast Armando Mercado Dies, 39: 'Our Family Is Devastated'
Shock and sadness spread following the death of Armando Francisco Mercado, a Paterson resident who passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 25 after a four-year battle with cancer, according to his obituary on the Shook Funeral Home website and a GoFundMe launched for his support.
Born in Nyack, NY, Armando aka Mandi was a "proud" Paterson resident of 35 years, who spent most of his career working in sales, most recently at Verizon in Butler, his obituary says.
A lifelong movie lover, Armando shared his opinions on film through his podcast, The DRD Show, which has nearly 200 episodes, according to his…
Sudden Death Of NJ Mom Spreads Sadness: 'Taken Too Soon'
Support is on the rise for a New Jersey family following the loss of their matriarch.
Malgorzata “Gosia” Rosinski, 43, of Califon, was being remembered as a devoted mother of three, according to her obituary on the William J. Leber Funeral Home website. Rosinski died on Feb. 12, at Hunterdon Medical Center.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by family friend Aneta Gnap has raised more than $36,000 as of press time, according to the fundraiser page.
Born in Jaslo, Poland, Rosinski grew up in Terka, Poland before settling in Califon, New Jersey, where she had lived for the past 15 years, acco…
NJ Mom Dies After Year-Long Cancer Battle: 'We Are All Devastated'
For Karina L. Andrade, giving up was never an option.
The 41-year-old Newark mother of three had just been promoted to chef manager at Sodexo, a moment she and her husband, who had also been promoted to executive chef, had been working toward for years, according to a GoFundMe started by Alecia Hemler.
Then, in February 2024 in a cruel twist of fate, a routine mammogram changed everything.
Doctors delivered the devastating news: Stage 4 aggressive breast cancer, the GoFundMe states.
Karina endured radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, battling through a summer of pain and uncertainty, the…
Freak Sledding Accident Kills Young Mother
A fun day in the snow turned into tragedy for a young Virginia family when a 26-year-old mother was killed in a freak sledding accident, leaving behind her husband and infant daughter, just as they were set to begin a new life, loved ones said.
Madelyn Nancy Lowe-Perdue, 26, of Chesapeake, suffered severe injuries in the accident on Thursday, Feb. 20, and was rushed to the hospital, where she later died, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized to support her family.
"As many have heard or seen by now, there was a sledding accident," they said. "Many of our loved ones were hurt or in…
'Project Runway' Fashion Designer From NJ Penned Heartbreaking Final Facebook Post
Sha’Vi Lewis, a New Jersey native and contestant on Season 18 of "Project Runway," has died, his family confirmed.
Lewis, a fashion designer known for his bold, creative designs, passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, according to a Facebook post by his aunt. He was 34 years old.
MY FABULOUS TALENTED NEPHEW Sha'Vi Lewis IS GONE FROM THIS PLACE. I WON'T HEAR HIS GREETINGS TO ME ANYMORE "HEY AUNTIE... Posted by Deirdra DivaDoll Elkerson on Tuesday, February 25, 2025
A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Born Franklin Shavi Lewis Frierson Jr., Lewis was raised in Hillside, where he de…
Dumont Dad, Little League Coach John Daly Dies, 55
The Dumont community is mourning the loss of John P. Daly, a dedicated father, coach, and carpenter, who died on Friday, Feb. 21. He was 55 years old.
Born in the Bronx, NY, John built a career as a carpenter with Local #157 at the Bloomberg Data Center in Orangeburg, NY, according to his obituary on the Frech-McKnight Funeral Home website.
Beyond his work, John was deeply involved in his community, serving as a coach for Dumont Junior Football and Dumont Little League Baseball. He was also a member of the Dumont Police Reserves for many years, his obituary states.
He is survived by …
100-Year-Old NJ Mayor, America's Oldest, Dies
Vito Perillo, the 100-year-old mayor of a New Jersey borough, died on Sunday, Feb. 23, the borough announced.
Perillo was first elected mayor of Tinton Falls in 2017, at the age of 93 and re-elected in 2021. He was the oldest mayor in the country.
We at the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office are saddened by the recent news of the passing of Tinton Falls Mayor Vito... Posted by Monmouth County Clerk's Office on Monday, February 24, 2025
"Respected and admired by all who had the privilege of knowing him, Mayor Perillo led with wisdom, kindness, and a deep sense of duty," …
Kim Koces, Makeup Artist, NJ Mom Of Three Dies At 32: 'Heart Full Of Kindness'
Kimberly Koces, a 32-year-old North Jersey mother, died on Tuesday, Feb. 4, according to her obituary from the Scanlan Funeral Home website.
A mom to Averianna, Daniel, and Benjamin, Kim "had a special way of making kids feel seen and cared for," her obituary reads. "She had a heart full of kindness and empathy, and her warm personality uplifted everyone around her."
She loved Halloween and horror movies, always getting excited for spooky season, her obituary reads. A talented makeup artist, she worked at Cutting Edge Academy, according to her obituary.
Kimberly Kocses Even though…
Passaic County Corrections Officer, Dad Yuda Sunarno Dies, 43
Yuda Sunarno, a 43-year-old Oak Ridge resident and Passaic County corrections officer died on Sunday, Feb. 2, according to his obituary from the Vander May Funeral Home.
A football player at Bloomfield High School, Sunaro later graduated from Montclair State University, his obituary reads.
Initially beginning his career working at Aeropostale, Sunaro later applied to the Passaic County Sherriff's Office, working as a corrections officer for more than 10 years at Grand Street Jail in Paterson, according to his obituary.
Our hearts are heavy to announce the untimely passing of retir…
Jersey Shore Rabbi Dies Suddenly: Remembering Levi Wolosow
Rabbi Levi Wolosow, a 43-year-old Manaplan resident, died while on a family trip in the Poconos on Monday, Feb. 3, Chabad announced.
Anash says that Wolosow, the director of Chabad of Monmouth County, died while on a ski trip with his family in the Poconos. Yeshiva World News says less than 24 hours before his death, he joined prominent Jewish singer Avraham Friedman on stage at a major concert.
"Rabbi Wolosow, who passed away suddenly yesterday, was the ultimate Chabad emissary, welcoming, brimming with faith and inspiration, and always ready to help another," Chabad said. "He will f…
Lifelong Paramus Resident Doug Williamson, Pillar Of Community, Dies Suddenly
Paramus is grieving the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Doug Williamson, a lifelong resident, nurse, and paramedic. He died Sunday, Feb. 2 at 62 years old.
Doug devoted his life to helping others, serving as a critical care nurse, director of emergency services for Valley Health System and spending nearly 15 years with McCabe Ambulance Service, where his compassion and dedication touched countless lives. Doug is being remembered by colleagues as a pillar of strength and an inspiration to those around him.
"Doug was not just a top-tier provider—he was an extraordinary human being,…
Lodi Teacher Diana Pereira Dies, 42: 'Heaven Gained The Greatest Angel'
Diana Pereira, a longtime teacher in Lodi and Washington Township mother, died on Wednesday, Jan. 29, according to her obituary on the Di Chiara Funeral Home website. She was 42 years old.
Diana worked in the Lodi School District for 18 years as a teacher at the Hilltop Elementary School.
"Diana’s spirit was fulfilled when spending time with DJ, family, and friends, whether it was at the Caribbean Sea in Punta Cana, on the boat at Tice’s, or dancing to her favorite country and freestyle music," her obituary reads. "Diana had an infectious smile that would brighten any room she wal…
