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Obituaries
Connecticut Dad Of 3, Youth Soccer Coach Killed In DC Crash Remembered For Faith, Conviction
By all accounts, Casey Crafton was a devoted husband and father who served his Connecticut community with conviction and grace. The Salem dad of three young boys was one of 67 people killed when American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into a Blackhawk helicopter in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 29. It is the deadliest aviation disaster in the US in more than 15 years. He was returning home from Witchita, Kansas, and had a scheduled layover at Reagan National Airport. Related: Ex-Head Of International Skating Center Of Connecticut, Olympian Wife Killed In DC Plane Crash Cas…
Obituaries
NJ Town Mayor's Granddaughter Dies After Months-Long Cancer Battle: Remembering Wrenna
Sadness spread through a New Jersey community following the death of a toddler diagnosed with cancer in late 2024. Wrenna Schey — whose grandfather is Mount Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro — died on Saturday, Jan. 11 after being diagnosed with brain cancer, according to her obituary at the Stroyan Funeral Home website. She was 2.5 years old. "She fought a tough battle and was stronger than anything I have ever seen in my life," her parents, Matt and Amanda said on a GoFundMe campaign that was started in early December, around the time Mayor Nicastro announced that his granddaughter had been diagno…
News
Missing NJ Mom Of 4 Found Dead In PA Dumpster ID’d As Homicide Victim: Lehigh County Coroner
A mother of four from New Jersey was found dead in a dumpster in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, in what authorities have ruled a homicide, the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office announced Monday, Jan. 13. UPDATE: Arrest Made In Killing Of Elizabeth Mom Found Dead In PA Dumpster Lucrecia Elizabeth Jadan Sumba, 39, of Elizabeth, NJ, was discovered in the 200 block of South 3rd Street on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 5:55 p.m., according to Coroner Daniel A. Buglio. An autopsy completed Monday revealed she died from sharp force injuries. The case has been classified as a homicide, Buglio said. Authorities fr…
Business
Retired Fire Captain's NJ Hot Dog Restaurant Up For Sale After 15 Years
Captain Paul’s Firehouse Dogs, a cherished fixture in Mercer County, has announced it is up for sale after 15 years. Owners Paul and Janice Tweedly shared the news on Facebook on Dec. 28, 2024, citing health concerns as the reason behind the difficult decision. "Had surgery on Monday and doctor said I would have more surgeries upcoming if I didn’t slow down," Paul wrote. "Janice and I can’t thank you enough for your support over the 15 years. All the friendships we have made make this a very difficult decision." Captain Paul’s, located at 2230 Princeton Pike in Lawrence Township, opened it…
Police & Fire
Longtime New Providence Firefighter's Dog Killed In Blaze: Fundraiser
A fire on Thursday, Jan. 2 hit home for Ralph Parlapiano, a firefighter in New Providence for 46 years, including a decade as chief. Parlapiano's home was ravaged by a fire, destroying everything he owns and killing his dog, Breeze, according to a fundraiser. At 3:28 p.m., firefighters responded to his home and found a heavy fire in the basement and first floor, New Providence Fire Department said. A second alarm was transmitted, bringing in additional support, firefighters said The fire was declared under control at 4:38 p.m., firefighters said. "We are all shocked and heartbroken t…
News
Trucker Killed At Clifton Intersection Leaves Behind Wife, 5 Children, Family Says
Support is on the rise for the family of a 51-year-old father of five, shot and killed at a Clifton intersection days before Christmas. Robert "Bobby" Rodgers, of Elmwood Park, was killed on Dec. 20, when 67-year-old Angel Pacheco allegedly shot him following a confrontation at the intersection of Lakeview and Merselis avenues around 11:45 p.m., Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said. Angel Pacheco Passaic County Prosecutor's Office Rodgers' obituary on the Shook Funeral Home website shows he was a lifelong Clifton resident who worked as a truck driver for Caravan in …
News
'In Better Spirits:' Lyndhurst Family Finds Hope After Fire Destroys Home Days Before Christmas
A Lyndhurst family of six is rebuilding their lives after a devastating fire destroyed their home and car just days before Christmas. Thanks to an outpouring of community support, they are finding hope amid heartbreak. The fire broke out Friday evening, Dec. 20, at 52 Livingston Ave., displacing two parents and their four young children, according to the Lyndhurst Fire Department. Flames, which were visible from the rear of the first floor, spread to a vehicle in the driveway before crews could extinguish the blaze. Although no injuries were reported, the home was deemed uninhabitable. …
Police & Fire
Officer Reached 102 MPH, Went Airborne In Crash Caused By Medical Episode, Little Falls PD Says
Little Falls police have released details and identified the officer involved in a serious crash while on duty earlier this month. Little Falls Patrolman Antonio Piedrabuena began experiencing symptoms of a medical emergency, causing his marked police vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably around 1:18 a.m. on Dec. 12, his department said in a news release. The police unit reached speeds of 102 miles per hour as it veered over the double-yellow lines, struck a curb and utility pole, and crashed into the front of Schumacher Chevrolet along Main Street near Union Avenue, police said. The v…
News
NJ University Sorority Rallies Around Sister Battling Cancer With Fierce Support
Kayla Davis knew almost immediately that she wanted to join AEPhi at Rowan University. The sisters were warm and welcoming, and their tight-knit bond stood out to her, she said. “I knew I wanted to be a part of that,” said Davis, 20, a Little Egg Harbor native and junior exercise science major. Now, as Davis faces an unimaginable challenge—a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma, a rare bone cancer—her sorority sisters are returning the kindness she brought to their sisterhood, rallying around her with unwavering support. As of Friday, Nov. 15, just five days after diagnosis, more than $12,000 had be…
Police & Fire
NJ Corrections Officer Seriously Hurt In Bloomfield Parkway Crash With Deer
A senior officer with the New Jersey Department of Corrections suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle crash with a deer on the Garden State Parkway last week, according to a campaign for his recovery and state police. Joel Hernandez, 54, of Fair Lawn, was riding his motorcycle home after work when he collided with a deer on the Garden State Parkway North near milepost 150.7 in Bloomfield, New Jersey State Police Trooper Sgt. Charles Marchan said. A GoFundMe campaign organized by William Sullivan says Hernandez suffered internal bleeding and multiple broken bones, requiring…
Obituaries
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…
Business
Italian Deli, Bakery Closing After 50 Years In Hoboken
It's the end of an era for a deli in Hoboken. Losurdo Brothers, Tony's Bakery, will be closing permanently on Sunday, Dec. 8, the deli shared on Instagram. "It has been an incredible 50 years serving the people of Hoboken and beyond," the deli wrote. "To our loyal customers and supporters - Thank you. Your belief and trust in us have been the driving force behind our every step. We are so very proud to have been a part of your family gatherings holidays, special events and daily lives. While this chapter ends, we are grateful for the friendshi…
Police & Fire
'Deranged' Man Attacks Nanny, Curses At Kids In Hoboken Park On Halloween: Police, Campaign
A 31-year-old man was arrested after police say he was cursing at children and then attacked a nanny in a Hoboken park on Thursday, Oct. 31, Halloween, according to police and the nanny's family. Officers were called to Church Square Park around 12:30 p.m. where a man later identified Troy Timberlake had been cursing at children and elderly people, Hoboken City spokeswoman Marci Rubin. Timberlake then began hitting people, including a woman identified by a local family on a GoFundMe campaign as "B." "A deranged man assaulted her in broad daylight in front of many people and kids," the…
Sports
Nutley Wrestling Community Embraces High School Grappler After Dad Marc DellaVolpe's Death
Nutley's wrestling community is mourning the loss of Marc DellaVolpe, who is being widely remembered as one of the most passionate, supportive, and knowledgeable parents on the sidelines. DellaVolpe, 47, of Nutley, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 17. "He was very supportive of his son, Louis, and traveled all over the place [for his matches]," said 10-year Nutley youth wrestling coach Michael Blanchard. Blanchard's son is the same year as DellaVolpe's son, Louis, and the two have been wrestling together since first or second grade. They both just started as freshmen at Nutley High Scho…
News
NJ St. Joe's Student Critical After Struck By Car Walking From Class In Philly
A St. Joseph's University student from New Jersey remains in critical condition one week after he was struck by a vehicle, according to a GoFundMe launched to help his family. Russell Hollister, a junior student whose social media pages show he hails from Denville, NJ, was struck by a 2021 Mazda CX-5 traveling south in the 200 block of City Avenue in Philadelphia at 7:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, as Lower Merion Township police told Daily Voice. Hollister was crossing the "midblock from the west to the east side of City Avenue," Operations Commander Captain E…
Business
Morris County Deli To Close After Nearly 60 Years
An institution in Morris County is closing its doors after nearly 60 years Burrini's Olde World Market, which opened in 1966, announced it is closing next month. "This decision was not made lightly," the deli wrote on social media. "Throughout the years, we’ve shared in your joy during weddings, birthdays, and graduations, as well as offered support during life’s more difficult moments. Your loyalty and love have been our greatest reward. "Unfortunately, due to ongoing economic challenges and depleted capital reserves, we can no longer continue operations." Dear Valued Customers…
Police & Fire
NJ Mom Believed Killed By Husband Survived By 4 Daughters, Campaign Says
Support is on the rise for four girls mourning the loss of their 40-year-old mother, who authorities said was stabbed dead by her husband this weekend in New Jersey. A GoFundMe campaign launched for Rosana Rodriguez's daughters had raised more than $10,000 as of Sunday, Sept. 22, more than 24 hours after she was found lying on the kitchen floor of a Perth Amboy home with stab wounds next to her husband, Wellington Leonard, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Officers were called to the Bertrand Avenue home around 3 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ci…
Obituaries
College Student Raises $102K After Crash That Killed Bergen County Parents, Teen Sister
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, Max Dryerman said his final goodbyes to his parents and his younger sister. The college student from Woodcliff Lake lost his entire immediate family in a crash on the Garden State Parkway over the weekend. A joint funeral service was held for David and Michele Dryerman, both 54, and Brooke Dryerman, 17, Tuesday morning at Temple Emanuel of Pascack Valley. A burial service followed at Sharon Gardens on Lakeview Avenue, in Valhalla, NY. Max, whose LinkedIn shows he's studying engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, launched a GoFundMe page to help put himself t…
Police & Fire
Boy Killed In Post-Scrimmage NJ Crash With Opposing Coach Identified (
Update
)
Football communities in South Jersey were left reeling following a post-scrimmage crash that left a coach and 9-year-old player dead on Thursday, Sept. 12. A GoFundMe campaign identifies the athlete killed as Easton Beisler, who played for Upper Township. Vineland police previously said a boy identified only as E.B. was riding in an SUV that collided with motorcyclist Addiel Ortiz, 31, at Maple Avenue near Becker Drive at around 5:53 p.m., Vineland police said. Ortiz was riding a Honda CBR 1000 motorcycle east on Maple when the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse heading…
News
Funeral Home's Search For Woman's Family Breaks Hearts In Bergen County
Her name was Carmela Polimeni, and her family is nowhere to be found. The 92-year-old Leonia resident died at CareOne at Cresskill on July 17, Aree Booker, the executive director of Eternity Funeral Services LLC in Englewood tells Daily Voice. UPDATE: Funeral Home Awaits Payment For Carmela Polimeni's Service Month After Her Death "Nursing homes are supposed to have arrangements pre-planned, next of kin, etcetera," Booker said on a call with Daily Voice Tuesday, Aug. 13. "But it seemed like [CareOne] dropped the ball." That leaves Booker scrambling to locate Polimeni's next of kin. So far…
News
Award-Winning NJ Police Officer Battles Cancer, Chief Pleads For Prayers
A police officer with roots in the New Jersey borough that he serves is battling cancer, and his chief is asking for prayers. James "Jimmy" Ciampi, of the Fairfield Police Department, was described by FPD Chief Anthony Manna as a "young, bright, and dedicated" officer. Ciampi is unable to come to work and remains focused on battling cancer, Manna said. Ciampi began his career with FPD as a Class II Special Officer in October 2016. A year later, he became a full-time officer. In 2022, Ciampi was assigned to the Essex County Auto Theft Task Force for six months "where he excelled at helping…
Business
Curry House Closing In Montclair After 15 Years
A British curry house is saying cheerio to Montclair after 15 years. Brick Lane Curry House on 540 Valley Road announced on Facebook it will be closing on Sunday, July 21. "Your unwavering support has meant the world to us," the restaurant wrote. "This journey has been magical - we've forged lifelong friendships, been part of your special moments, and hopefully added a dash of spice and warmth to the vibrant tapestry of Montclair. Your appreciation for our food have been the greatest rewards we could have asked for. Patrons expressed their sadness over the closure in the comme…
Business
Guerriero Gelato Shutters Flagship North Jersey Location
Guerriero Gelato is continuing to downsize. A month after announcing the closure of its location in Morristown, the gelateria announced it will be closing its Montclair location in October after 10 years. "This is very emotional for us," the company wrote on social media. "This was the first shop we built out ourselves. We made friendships that will last a lifetime." The eatery said while the Montclair store remains popular, they cannot keep up with rising taxes, rent, cost of living, labor and food. "We hope that we can all make progress against the ridiculous cost of living a…
Obituaries
Community Rallies For Family Of 6-Year-Old Killed In Fire
A fundraiser has been set up to assist the family of Saniya Felton, a 6-year-old who was killed in a fire in Bayonne on Monday, July 1. "This is an extremely vulnerable and emotional time for my family and I," Saniya's mother Latrice wrote. "I could have never imagined losing any of my children. Saniya was my only daughter – my youngest child. "As I write this I am thinking of all of the fun times we spent together and the massive void that I will live with forever. My son and I watched the house burn down, as we stood there helpless. It goes without saying that our lives will never be the …
News
Jersey Shore Aquarium Society Founding Member Drowns Snorkeling On Family Vacation
What was supposed to have been a relaxing trip for one New Jersey family apparently visiting their grandparents in Texas quickly turned into a nightmare. While snorkeling in San Solomon Springs at Balmorhea State Park in Texas, Ernest Manchin, 82, of Dripping Springs, TX, went under water and did not re-emerge, CBS7 says citing state police. Moments later, Gary Wong, 56, of East Brunswick — Manchin's son-in-law — went under, too. Both Manchin and Wong were rescued from the water but ultimately died at an area hospital, the outlet says. A GoFundMe campaign launched for Wong’s…
News
Dump Truck Driver Cited For Disregarding A Stop Sign In Fatal South Jersey Crash: Prosecutor
The dump truck driver accused of passing through a stop sign in a fatal crash in Cumberland County has been formally cited, authorities said on Tuesday, July 2. Lamaas Arthur, 55, of Port Norris, received citations for disregarding a stop sign and careless driving, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office. The crash was on Thursday, June 20 in Commercial Township. No criminal charges had been filed as of Tuesday. New Jersey State Police said that Arthur had "numerous motor vehicle violations." Brandy Woolson, 43, of Port Elizabeth, a mother of four, was killed in the …
Obituaries
NJ High School Hockey Player Collin Zavoda Dies, 15
Collin Zavoda, a 15-year-old student athlete at Bridgewater High School died unexpectedly on Monday, June 10, according to a campaign launched for his family. A native of Edison, Zavoda moved to Bridgewater in 2013 and was active in the community, playing baseball and hockey, his obituary on the Bridgewater Funeral Home website reads. An avid hockey fan, Collin also worked as a hockey referee, according to his obituary and helped lead his club hockey team to a championship. The rising sophomore was also an active Boy Scout who enjoyed fishing, boating and skiing, his obituary rea…
Police & Fire
North Jersey Officer Suffers Partial Blindness, Paralysis After Brain Surgery, Campaign Says
Brian Werthmann is in the fight for his life and the community is coming together to help. Werthmann, a sergeant in the Summit Police Department, recently underwent an 8-hour surgery to remove a large acoustic neuroma from his brain. While surgeons were able to successfully remove the tumor from his brain, Werthmann has experienced complications including paralysis on the left side of his body, partial blindness and the inability to walk without assistance. A fundraiser has been created by the Summit PBA to assist Werthmann, his wife Cristina and their two daughters. As of Wedne…
Obituaries
NJ Town Mourns Loss Of 'Teddy Bear With Heart Of Gold' Killed Practically On His Own Property
If you're from Andover, you knew Joey Luchetti. He was the one driving the Joe Veg trucks. Big, silver cross necklace. And a personality larger than life. The lifelong Andover resident, 60, died on Friday, May 31, when his 1963 Pontiac veered off of Yates Avenue, local police said. The car went down into a culvert and Luchetti was ejected into a wooded area, just behind his house, where he died. "On his own property," said friend of 40 years Joe Pepe, of Fredon. "That's how close to home he was." Joe Veg famously lived on Luchetti Way, a roadway named after his mo…
Lifestyle
Popular 'Ice Cream Lady' Sees Support Of Maywood
Monica Pidhoreki, a.k.a. The Ice Cream Lady is one of the most popular people in Maywood Pidhoreki, whose ice cream truck is a fixture in town is a regular at Maywood Rochelle Park Girls Softball, sponsoring a team and banner in the league and is a regular at birthday parties and events in the community. Pidhoreki recently suffered a residential fire which left her displaced and her new ice cream truck destroyed. GoFundMe A fundraiser has been set up to assist her and get her back on her feet. As of Thursday, May 23, more than $2,800 has been raised. "We would like to now support her, l…
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