A Joyful Leader Leaves a Legacy of Hope The Bible says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). This is the doctrine that Rev. Dr. Samuel Acosta lived by as a servant of God, by which I mean a servant of his community, mainly in Chicago’s Logan Square. Instead of being rigid in his ideas about community, Sam always...

Justina Cammarata, age 44, after a long struggle with liver failure, passed away at Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel early Wednesday morning. Justina was a current resident of Hazlet; however, she grew up on a self-sustaining farm in Englishtown, NJ. A short time after graduating Manalapan High School she got her Commercial Driver’s License and drove a bus for J&R bus company. She was a caring mother, grandmother and animal lover. Justina is preceded in death by her father,...

Giovanni Gravante, age 75, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 in Lakewood, NJ. Giovanni (John) is survived by three sons: Nick, Jerry and his wife Maureen, and Jimmy; two sisters: Susan Stern and Andrea Auriemma; grandchildren: Megan, Christopher, and Hannah, his ex-wife, Judith, nephews: Anthony, Danny (Iacovlli), and Steven Stern, and niece: Stephanie McCullough. A memorial service is planned for a later time.

McPherson, Edward (Sonny, Sonny Mac, Mack) , - 84, was born March 5, 1935 to Owen J and Beatrice McPherson. He died April 29, 2019 at Royal Suites Rehabilitation Center, Galloway, NJ from Alzheimer's complications. Ed was born and raised in North Philadelphia surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins in a neighborhood overflowing with famous musicians of the day. He graduated from the Philadelphia school system where he ran the 100 meter in track at NE High School and played football...

Maureen Matticola, age 87 of Moonachie, NJ, passed away peacefully on 4/12/19. Maureen was born in Jersey City, NJ to the late Desmond and Isabelle Ross.  She was the devoted wife of Joseph Matticola who preceded her in death in 1999. She was the caring older sister to siblings Patrick, William and Christopher Ross, and Vera Lalko, who have all preceded her in death. Maureen was the loving mother to Eileen Angeloro and her husband Richard of Cape Coral, Fla, and her daughter Diane...

Blanche Eileen Egan, 85, of Colonia, NJ passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Rahway Hospital. Born on September 19, 1933 in Perth Amboy, daughter to the late John and Mary Connors.  She was a resident of Colonia for over 50 years.  Blanche worked for Revlon in Edison.  She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends. Blanche is predeceased by her late husband, Joseph “Bill” Egan and her son, Bruce...

Robert Vernon Klein died peacefully in his sleep on April 6, with Barbara—his wife of 70 years—by his side. He was 95. He spent his professional life as a merchant and a realtor. He owned Brett’s, an upscale department store which was a family-owned and operated institution in Altoona since the early 1900s, founded by Barbara’s grandfather, Jacob Brett. But like so many long-time institutions in the late 1970s, Brett’s did not survive the economic downturn. Bob...

Edward Joseph Degeorgis passed away Friday, February 8, 2019 at JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ.  A long time resident at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home-Menlo Park in Edison, NJ, he was 91. Ed was the son of the late Joseph and Renee (Grugeard) Degeorgis.  His dad was born Giuseppe [Joseph] in Fubine, Italy to Bertoldo  Degiorgis, from Refrancore, northern Italy and Angela Maria Mortara, Fubine, Italy.  His mom was born in NYC, NY in 1897 to Frederick...

Lawrence William Eylward, of Hackensack, NJ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at the age of 71 years. Prior to retiring, he was employed in the hospitality industry in New York City for many years. Beloved son of the late Virginia and Lawrence Eylward. Devoted cousin of many loving cousins and his dear friend Miguel Mercado. Dearest bother of the late John and George Eylward. Lawrence, or Larry, as his many friends knew him, was a longtime volunteer at Hackensack...

Corinne E. Capaci was born on August 20th, 1953 in Jersey City NJ. Beloved daughter of Rose Gianinio and Lawrence Capaci. Corinne had been known as Cookie since childhood. Cookie was mother to Maurice Capaci and Delinah La Tempa. She was divorced and living with her son at the time of her passing. Cookie was little sister to Harold Capaci of Minot, North Dakota, big sister to Idamae Renne of Woodland Park, NJ, Rosemary Fattaruso of Oklahoma, Lauren Capaci-Hirtes of Newton, NJ and Pamela...