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Sunday, feb 16
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Community Service
Police & Fire
Final Ride: Paterson Motor Officer Laid To Rest, Honored With Special Sendoff
Former Paterson Police Officer Anthony DeSopo was honored with a heartfelt farewell on Thursday, Feb. 13, as colleagues and loved ones gathered to pay their final respects. The department shared powerful images of a solemn police procession, featuring DeSopo's former patrol bike—a touching tribute to his years of service. DeSopo, who retired in January 2024, tragically lost his life in a snowmobile accident in Pennsylvania on Friday, Feb. 7. He was 55 years old. Photos captured officers standing at attention, lining the city streets in salute as a black hearse, flanked by Paterson motor of…
Police & Fire
Newly Retired Paterson Officer Killed In Snowmobile Crash
The Paterson Police Department is mourning the loss of recently retired officer Anthony DeSopo, who was killed in a snowmobile accident in Pennsylvania on Friday, Feb. 7. He was 55 years old. DeSopo, of Totowa, and another man were riding snowmobiles on Lake Wallenpaupack in Pike County when they collided with the lake's rocky shoreline near Cove Road and North Hemlock Lane in Palmyra Township around 6 p.m., Pennsylvania State Police said. Both riders were ejected from their snowmobiles after striking large rocks and boulders. DeSopo was pronounced dead at the scene by the Pike County Coron…
Obituaries
NJ School Bus Driver Killed In Crash Was Army Vet, Friend To All: Remembering Jack Hohwald
Jack Hohwald, an 85-year-old Maple Shade bus driver who was killed on Tuesday, Jan. 28 after being struck by a bus driver at the school, is being remembered for his years of dedication to the school district. The fatal crash happened at Maple Shade High School when Hohwald stepped outside of his vehicle and was struck by another school bus, sustaining fatal injuries, according to Maple Shade police. The driver of the striking bus, a 77-year-old Cinnaminson resident and district employee, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. No charges have been filed at this time, …
News
Edison Siblings Champion Sports For Kids With Special Needs Through 'Buddy Ball'
Aidan and Catelyn Yam are proving that it doesn’t take a big team to make a big difference. The high school siblings from Edison have become champions of Buddy Ball, a non-profit organization offering children with special needs the chance to play sports in a welcoming and supportive environment. Using their connections in school sports teams and clubs, Aidan and Catelyn have led the charge to recruit volunteers for Buddy Ball’s programs, which include soccer, basketball, baseball, and bowling. These programs pair children ages six and up with “Buddy” volunteers who help with skill-building,…
Obituaries
Services Finalized For Bergen County Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Ramos, 37
Services have been finalized for Michael Ramos, a sergeant with the Bergen County Sheriff's Office who died on Jan. 19, at 37 years old. Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 23 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Di Chiara Funeral Home in Lodi. A funeral service will be held Friday, Jan. 24 at 8:30 a.m. at the Di Chiara Funeral Home in Lodi. Mas will follow at St. Francis de Sales R.C. at 10 a.m., with interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Saddle Brook. Ramos, of Rochelle Park, was raised in Lodi and graduated from Johnson and Whales University in 2010 with a degree in criminal justice…
News
Greek Shipping Firms Fined Millions for Polluting NJ Waters, Falsifying Records
Two Greek shipping companies were fined millions in federal court in Newark on Monday, Dec. 23 after pleading guilty to polluting waters, falsifying records, and obstructing justice during port calls in New Jersey last year, authorities said. Avin International Ltd. and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises, owners and operators of the oil tanker Kriti Ruby, will pay $4.6 million in fines and community service payments, US Attorney Philip Sellinger said. They were also placed on probation for five years with mandatory environmental compliance monitoring, Sellinger said The companies illeg…
News
This Christmas Light-Wrapped BMW Is Driving Bergen County Barber's Important Mission
If you’ve driven through Bergen County recently, chances are you’ve noticed a glowing BMW lighting up the road. That dazzling car belongs to Hackensack's Starlyn Delgado, who’s turning heads this holiday season to collect toys for kids in need. Delgado, 33, runs Star Mobile Cuts, a mobile barbershop based at the Hasbrouck Heights VFW and organizes an annual toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots. To raise awareness, he spent nine hours wrapping his BMW in hundreds of Christmas lights, which he powers through his car’s cigarette lighter and secures with packing tape. “I’m always changing …
Sports
Yankees Legend CC Sabathia Brings Holiday Cheer To Bergen County
Former Yankee great CC Sabathia wants to ensure everyone has a happy holidays. Sabathia, along with his wife Amber, are hosting their annual holiday caravan for 150 kids from the John Grimm Madison Boys and Girls Club and Bronx Arts Charter School on Friday, Dec. 6 at 4:30 p.m. at Nickelodeon Universe at the American Dream mall in East Rutherford. "Giving back to the community that supported me throughout my career is an honor," Sabathia said. "The smiles on their faces remind me why we do this every year — to spread love, hope, and holiday cheer.." The event allows k…
News
'Dream Come True': This Lawyer Just Became One Of New Jersey's Youngest Judges
An Edison woman has reached her lifelong dream of being appointed a judge and she's one of the youngest in New Jersey's history. Malia Reichmann was sworn in as an Edison municipal court judge on Monday, Sept. 30, the township said in a news release. The 32-year-old is a lawyer who graduated from Columbia Law School. Reichmann said it's a "dream come true" to be a judge in her hometown. "Thank you to Mayor Sam Joshi and the Edison Township Council for entrusting me with upholding laws that make our community safe, beautiful, and a welcoming place for everyone," said Reichman…
Lifestyle
NJ Popstar Buys Teens Lunch At Hometown Pizzeria (
Video
)
High schoolers flocked to a New Jersey pizzeria in droves on Tuesday, Oct. 1 for a free lunch. And not just any free lunch — free lunch from a popstar. SZA sza Instagram Sabatino's owner Sabatino Perotta told NJ Advance Media reporter Jeremy Schneider that SZA, a Maplewood native, called him and asked if he could buy lunch for local high schoolers at Columbia High School. Around 11 a.m., high schoolers began showing up. Then, in droves to the Valley Street pizzeria. Schneider shared a clip of the event to X. .@sza bought lunch for Columbia High School students today at Sabatin…
News
Grieving Family Of Former Rutgers Dean Dead By Suicide Raises Staggering Amount Of Money
An accomplished lawyer who was "beacon of kindness and generosity" has passed away, but where his light once shone, his community has started a fire. More than $21,000 had been raised in less than 24 hours on a GoFundMe for the family of William "Bill" J. Zee, 50, who was born in New Jersey and had been living in Lititz. A UPenn PhD candidate and former assistant dean at Rutgers University, and a beloved father, Bill was found dead in the PA Game Land located near US 322 and Pumping Station Road in Elizabeth Township, according to Chief Deputy Coroner Eric Bieber as Daily Voi…
Obituaries
Rhonda Iwanski, Pillar Of Sussex County Community, Dies
Rhonda Iwanski, a longtime Sussex County resident who was heavily involved in multiple communities, died on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Newton Medical Center after a long illness, her obituary on the Wood Funeral Home website says. She was 67 years old. Rhonda, of Sandyston, moved to New Jersey from Florida after meeting her husband, Mark, 28 years ago, her obituary says. She served as the CFO of the House of the Good Shepherd and was a board member for the Human Services Advisory Council's Housing Committee, Rhonda's obituary continues. She was also member of the hiring committee for Susse…
News
CNN News Anchor From NJ Announces Husband's Death In Heartbreaking Post
Alisyn Camerota, A CNN anchor from Fairfield County, CT and with New Jersey roots is mourning the loss of her husband, she announced in a heartbreaking post on social media. Camerota, who was born in Shrewsbury, NJ said on Friday, Sept. 20 on Instagram that her husband, Tim Lewis, died on July 27, 2024 — two years after being diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Lewis' obituary on the Harding Funeral Home website says that he and Camerota live in Westport, CT. "I cannot imagine any human being soldiering through a devastating diagnosis with more humor, humility and bravery than Tim," …
Obituaries
Montclair-Based Realtor Killed In South Jersey Crash
A prominent New Jersey realtor was killed in a crash Thursday, Sept. 5, authorities said. Michael Kravchak, 47, of Egg Harbor City, died in the wreck on Thursday, Sept. 5, the Mansfield Township Police Department said in a news release. Officers responded to the crash on Route 206 North near the intersection with Route 68 at around 11:03 a.m. Investigators said Kravchak's vehicle hit a traffic light pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Kravchak was an agent for Montclair-based eXp Realty and referred to himself as "not your average realtor." The most expensive home posted on his webs…
Police & Fire
Volunteer Ambulance Squad Member Killed In Route 287 Wreck
A longtime first responder from Bergen County was killed last week in an off-duty crash on Route 287, police said. John Papendick, 58, who served 11 years on the Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps, died in the Wednesday, Aug. 14 crash along Route 287 in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said. Papendick was heading south in a Dodge Charger when he veered off the road to the right, striking the guardrail around 9:25 a.m., Lebron said. He reentered the roadway across all lanes and struck the concrete traffic barrier. While Papendick's injuries were con…
Obituaries
Gerald 'Jerry' McMinn, Owner Of NJ Ice Cream Institution, Longtime EMT Dies At 93
Gerald "Jerry" McMinn, a man credited for saving countless lives over more than 65 years volunteering as an EMT, and bringing joy to thousands of North Jersey residents through his iconic Milk Barn, has died at 93 years old. An Army Veteran widely known across North Jersey as the owner of the Old Barn Milk Bar in Wayne, died on Wednesday, Aug. 7, according to his obituary on the Scanlan Funeral Home website. Jerry graduated from Butler High School and later served in the U.S. Army. While volunteering at the St. Joseph's Hospital emergency room in Paterson, he met his wife, "the l…
News
Retired NY Knicks Star Charles Oakley Dines At NJ Restaurant During Special Trip For Friend
Akhtar Farzaie needed one more person to bring to a charity golf outing at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster last month. Naturally, retired NY Knicks power forward Charles Oakley was the first person to come to mind. Farzaie, 41, who owns Bella Pizza in Hillsborough, met the 60-year-old NBA legend when he said he was elbowed by him during a pickup game at a local YMCA in 2002. The two were later acquainted by mutual friends, and have kept in touch ever since. Oakley agreed to make a special trip out to Somerset County for Farzie last month, and was treated to seared Bronzino, si…
Obituaries
Passaic Police Officer Brian Lora Obituary
The sudden death of a 29-year-old Passaic police officer has spread shock and sadness through multiple communities. Brian Lora, a Passaic police officer and Belleville resident, died unexpectedly on Monday, April 29, his department said. "Officer Lora's tenure was marked by unwavering loyalty, exemplary work ethic, fearless commitment to duty, and steadfast adherence to the highest principles of law enforcement," the Passaic Police Department said. "The entire community mourns the loss of Officer Brian Lora, a true exemplar of duty and service." Lora served in the School Resource Division …
Police & Fire
Bergen Grade Schoolers Accused Of Sodomizing Boy With Sex Toy
A group of young boys from Old Tappan are accused of sodomizing another with a sex toy. According to multiple parents, the 8th graders pooled their money to buy the penis-shaped sex aid from a popular gift company. One apparently turned it on another at a local residence while at least two others helped with the horrific assault, they said. Video of the penetration and what the parents said was an equally disgusting subsequent act was apparently recorded and shared. It wasn't immediately clear what physical injuries the victim may have suffered or what medical treatment was needed. …
Obituaries
'Tiny Bundle Of Happiness': Mahwah Mom Struck By Truck Will Be Laid To Rest (
Tribute
)
𝗥𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗘: A funeral Mass is scheduled this Friday for a Mahwah mom who died of injuries she suffered when she was struck by a pickup truck last week outside her job at the Federal Reserve in East Rutherford. Visitation for the family of Belina Lim Ang will be from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Gabriel the Archangel Roman Catholic Church on East Saddle River Road in Saddle River on Feb. 9. The Mass follows. In an exquisite tribute, Ang's husband Takis and their children Daphne and George describe her as a "tiny bundle of happiness" with a "tenacity and strength of will matched only b…
Obituaries
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…
News
NJ Beach Town Looks To Close Beaches Early Due To Wild Teens, New Curfew Enacted
Those under 18 years old will need adult supervision after midnight in one New Jersey beach town. Wildwood this week passed a new ordinance that requires juveniles to be accompanied by a parent or guardian between midnight and 6 a.m. unless they're going to or coming from work or a local business. A proposed ordinance suggests closing beaches from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for everyone, in the interest of public safety. According to the ordinance, it's all because of the rowdy teens that gathered in the city on the Fourth of July Weekend. The teens were rioting, engaging in "criminal mischief," and…
News
Violent NJ Ex-Con Who Once Made Headlines Hangs Himself At Bergen Jail
A disgraced former police officer who'd served time for threatening to kill his then-wife more than 10 years ago was found hanged in his cell at the Bergen County Jail over the weekend, authorities confirmed. Keith C. Reilly, 42, was pronounced dead from suicide at Hackensack University Medical Center at 5:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, Sheriff Anthony Cureton said. Officers assigned to the secure housing unit were conducting routine checks when they found Reilly suspended from the HVAC system by a bedsheet, the sheriff said. He'd strangled himself, Cureton said, adding that an investigation was…
News
Passing Of Upper Saddle River Firefighting Veteran Follows Death Of Fellow Area Responder
Already reeling from the death of a local firefighter following an intense house blaze, the community of area responders sadly learned that they'd lost another. Upper Saddle River Firefighter Alex Moss, 54, had dedicated more than 30 years of his life to the service of others. Colleagues officially announced his death early Sunday evening, Oct. 30: "It is with deep regret and great sadness the Upper Saddle River Fire Department announces the untimely passing and Line of Duty Death of Firefighter Alex Moss. Please keep the Moss family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this to…
News
Newark's Ironbound Grieves Loss Of Beloved Young Police Officer
TRIBUTE: Portuguese Americans in Newark's Ironbound are reeling from the death of a beloved community police officer who devoted a great deal of his life to helping children. Ricardo Barbosa, 29, of Belleville was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Bell Street home off White Oak Terrace shortly before 11:30 p.m. Friday, according to multiple reports. Belleville officers conducted CPR on Barbosa, who responders said died a short time later. "What can you say about an overall great guy whose love for his community showed in his actions every day?" the Portuguese American Police A…
News
'We Will Work Tirelessly:' Family Of Warren County Woman Killed In Dump Truck Crash Gets Lawyer
The family of a Warren County woman who was killed in a crash with a dump truck earlier this month has retained a lawyer. Mary Ann Boatman, 69, of Great Meadows, was killed in a head-on crash with a dump truck on Route 521 in Hope Township on Thursday, Aug. 4, DailyVoice.com reported. A Kenworth dump truck was heading northbound when it crossed the double-yellow line and sideswiped a Grumman Allied LLV U.S. Mail vehicle heading southbound at milepost .68 near Dogwood Drive before continuing north and hitting Boatman’s Honda CRV head-on, authorities said. A 1970 graduate of Hackettstown Hi…
Lifestyle
NJ Hooters Girls Bring Joy To School Children In Bahamas (
Photos
)
Hooters Girls brought school supplies and lots of joy to schoolchildren during a recent trip to the Bahamas. The eight girls — who hailed from Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island — distributed coloring books, crayons, sunglasses and toiletries to students at Gateway Christian Academy in Bimini. Hooters Girls interacting with students at Gateway Christian Academy in BiminiCourtesy of Ilona Wolpin The girls spent time with the kids while on location for their 2023 Hooters Calendar shoot. The girls said they enjoyed the opportunity to give back to the community. “Bringing …
News
'Invincible' Harrison Firefighter Who Served In US Marines, Law Enforcement Dies
Vincent Doffont spent much of his life serving and protecting his country as a U.S. Marine and, later, his community in Hudson County as a sheriff's officer, police officer and firefighter. Doffont, 37, died suddenly this weekend, leaving those who knew him in shock and profound grief. "He was one of the hardest men I have ever met," wrote friend Blake Upton. "I always thought of him as invincible." Doffont, indeed, seemed indestructible as a football running back, defensive back and placekicked for the St. Mary's High School Gaels from 1999 through 2002. He was praised for his "speed, s…
News
'Even In Death,' Tow Truck-Driving NJ First Responder Will Continue To Save Lives
The Stars & Stripes were raised and then lowered to half-staff in honor of a tow truck-driving first responder from Bergen County who was taken off life support this weekend after being gravely injured while responding to a call. Robert Thornton, 31, of Ridgefield Park, was officially pronounced dead at Hackensack University Medical Center at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, loved ones said. Even in death, Thornton "will now save many lives," Moonachie First Aid & Rescue Squad Lt. Chris Yuhasz said. Thornton's organs were harvested following a solemn ceremony Sunday that drew a large cr…
News
Beloved Saddle Brook Teacher, Philanthropist Laid To Rest
TRIBUTE: Whenever a cause needed attention in Saddle Brook -- and beyond -- a familiar face inevitably turned up. It’s why news of the death of one of the township’s most popular educators this week stung so deeply. It’s also why Mayor Robert White proclaimed Tuesday, Nov. 15 "Howard Weinberg Day" in Saddle Brook. Weinberg, a multi-faceted Fair Lawn native with a multi-faceted life, died on Sunday. He was being interred at Americus Cemetery in Saddle Brook on Wednesday following a 1 p.m. funeral service at Robert Schoem's Menorah Chapel on Route 4. Many in town -- parents as well as s…
News
Trio Charged With Murdering College-Bound Paterson Honor Student, 18
Three men were each charged with murder in a street shooting that killed an innocent college-bound honor student from Paterson as he carried in his grandmother’s groceries. Jaquin Williams and Jahed Jones, both 19 of Paterson, and Kahaz D. Heron, 18, of Clifton remained held in the Passaic County Jail following an intense and furious investigation into the slaying of 18-year-old Robert Cuadra. Cuadra was struck by a bullet that was among no fewer than 16 rounds that authorities said were fired on Godwin Avenue around 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19. Responding officers found the mortally wounded teen o…
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