Update: Bergenfield Widower, 94, Charged In Hit-And-Run Death Of Popular Teacher From Dumont

𝗦𝗘𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗬𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚? A shocked silence that gripped a downtown intersection was pierced by the anguished scream of a woman whose mother -- a popular school teacher in Englewood -- had just been struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver less than a mile from her Dumont home.

𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Ernest Hofmann 94-year-old widower from Bergenfield was charged with the hit-and-run death of Elizabeth Feliciano-Rosa, 54, of Dumont, who'd taught first grade in Englewood for nearly two decades.
Photo Credit: *Kyle Mazza for DAILY VOICE*

At the scene.
Photo Credit: *Jerry DeMarco*

CPR was being conducted on the 44-year-old victim after she was struck at Washington & West Madison avenues in Dumont at 5:19 p.m. Thursday, March 14, witnesses said.
Photo Credit: *Kyle Mazza for DAILY VOICE*

"Known for her infectious smile, boundless energy, and unwavering dedication," Elizabeth Rosa, 54, of Dumont, "touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and families."
Photo Credit: *Kyle Mazza for DAILY VOICE / INSET: Englewood Public School District*

Elizabeth Feliciano-Rosa, 54, of Dumont was struck and killed by a pickup truck driven by Ernest Hofmann, 94, of Bergenfield, authorities said.
Photo Credit: *GoogleMaps Street View / BCJ*

Jerry DeMarco

03/14/2024 7:20 p.m.

A lifeless Elizabeth Rosa lay off the corner of Washington and West Madison avenues as the driver who hit her stopped and got out, according to a witness.

He just as quickly got back into the red pickup truck and sped off, the witness said.

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𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: A 94-year-old widower from Bergenfield was charged with the hit-and-run death of a teacher from Dumont, authorities confirmed on Friday. Elizabeth Feliciano-Rosa, 54, was struck and killed by a pickup truck driven by Ernest Hofmann, 94, of Bergenfield, authorities said. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘....

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Rosa, who turned 54 on New Year's Day, "was a cornerstone of the Englewood Public Schools community, dedicating nearly two decades of her life to nurturing young minds," according to a statement released by the district.

The mother of three adult daughters, Rosa had been a first-grade dual-language teacher at Grieco Elementary School since 2005.

"Known for her infectious smile, boundless energy, and unwavering dedication, she touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and families," the district statement says.

"Her passion for education was palpable and her commitment to her craft unparalleled," it adds. "Mrs. Rosa exemplified both compassion and discipline, earning the adoration of her students while instilling in them a love for learning.

"The void left by her absence will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing her."

A Cresskill Fire Department ambulance took Rosa to Hackensack University Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead Thursday night.

Arrangements hadn't yet been announced.

"In recognition of the impact of this loss on our school community, grief counseling services have been made available to all students and employees in need of support," the Englewood district announced.

Meanwhile, authorities asked that anyone who might have witnessed the crash or has information that could help investigators identify the vehicle or the driver call Dumont police at (201) 387-5000 or the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office tips line: (201) 226-5532. You can remain anonymous.

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