Youngsters learn fundamentals of what it would be like to be a police officer
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
The 2025 Nutley Junior Police Academy has successfully concluded, but not before a large group of youngsters got to learn a lot of what it would be like to be a police officer.
Last week, the Nutley Police Department hosted a class of fifth- through eighth-graders in the 12th-annual academy at Spring Garden School. During the free week-long program, led by Lt. Michael Padilla, students learned basic police fundamentals including marching, self-defense and crime scene processing; experienced working with the Nutley Fire Department and EMS Squad; and took the time to help the Nutley Family Service Food Bank and visit the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford.
“I want to congratulate these kids for the great work they’ve
put in over the past week,”
Commissioner Alphonse Petracco, director of public safety, said. “I want to thank Lt. Mike Padilla, who does an amazing job and shows up for these kids every year. Another special thank you to all the students, police officers, firemen, EMS and staff who volunteered their time to make this program the best it can be.
“Every time I come here and see the wonderful things the children have learned, it really warms my heart. Someday, these children are going to become police officers, senators, or start working at a big company — but I want to remind them to never forget where they came from. Nutley is a great town.”
Padilla says he was pleasantly surprised at the ease of graduation day and the program in
Thousands of residents and visits took in Kearny’s annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks display at Veteran’s Field on Belgrove Drive. The entire day was coordinated by town Recreation Director Ralph Cattafi in conjunction with Mayor Carol Jean Doyle and the Town Council. See more photos, Page 5.
Photo by Ron Smits/Town of Kearny
HCPO: Lyndhurst man charged in North Bergen hit & run
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
ALyndhurst man has been arrested in connection to a hit in run in North Bergen last month, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said.
According to Suarez: On Thursday, June 26, 2025, members of the Hudson County Regional Collision Unit arrested Miroslaw Masiak, 77, and charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle collision
resulting in serious bodily injury, endangering an injured victim and obstructing administration of law
He was released, pending his first court appearance, which is tentatively scheduled for July 17, 2025.
Shortly before 5 a.m. on June 4, 2025, the North Bergen Police Department was notified of a pedestrian struck in the area of 2600 Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen. Responding officers located a man victim — later identified as a 42-year-old Union City resident — with serious injuries.
The striking vehicle reportedly did not remain at the scene. The victim was transported by EMS to the Jersey City Medical Center. During the initial investigation, the vehicle believed to have been involved in the collision was recovered.
Weekend PATH service suspensions coming later this summer
PATH service will be suspended between Harrison and Journal Square over six weekends later this summer to accommodate the demolition of a Conrail freight rail bridge over PATH tracks. PATH will provide free shuttle buses between Harrison and JSQ and between Newark-Penn Station and JSQ during these service outages.
The six weekends scheduled for outages are Sept. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 and Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 25-26
PATH will use the period of the outages as requested by Conrail to install a total of four switches in the vicinity to facilitate quicker and more seamless train movement from one track to another and add more flexibility to the system.
During those weekends, train service will be suspended in both directions between Harrison and JSQ on the Newark-World Trade
Center (WTC) line from 11:59 p.m., Fridays, through 5 a.m., Mondays.
PATH service will operate between Newark-Penn Station and Harrison, the JSQ-WTC line and the JSQ-33 St via HOB line.
Weekday service will not be affected.
Free shuttle buses will provide service between Harrison and JSQ and between Newark-Penn Station and JSQ during the periods of the service outages, with buses operating every 7 to 12 minutes, except during early morning hours from 3 to 8 a.m. when buses will operate every 15 to 20 minutes.
Riders may find shuttle bus locations by following signs at the affected stations.
Customer service agents and Port Authority police officers also will be available to assist riders.
150th anniversary of archdiocese’s consecration to the Sacred Heart celebrated
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
The Archdiocese of Newark celebrated the 150th anniversary of its consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus —a moment that took place in 1875.
Hundreds of faithful from across the archdiocese gathered in Newark to mark the historic milestone with a vibrant procession and solemn Mass of thanksgiving.
The event began with a public procession from St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral to the Cathedral
Basilica of the Sacred Heart, led by Bishop-elect Bismarck Chau, and the Revs. Camilo E. Cruz and Father Ivan Sciberras.
As the pilgrims walked through the streets, they prayed, sang, played musical instruments and carried banners depicting religious figures.
At the heart of the procession was a large statue of Jesus, which was commissioned by Bishop Corrigan in 1875 as one of the first public dedications to the Sacred Heart in the United States.
The occasion concluded with
Mass at the Cathedral Basilica, celebrated by Bishop Michael A. Saporito.
In his homily, Bishop Saporito emphasized the enduring relevance of the Sacred Heart in a world often burdened by anxiety, pain and hopelessness. He also encouraged everyone
in attendance to renew their faith in Christ.
“There is no better time than now to set our houses of worship on fire with the divine love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” Bishop Saporito said. “Let us begin tonight, all of us, by rededicating our lives to the
Sacred Heart of our savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us give him our whole hearts — even the broken parts of our hearts — and allow them to find rest in Christ… Let us work with Jesus in becoming people who restore goodness and beauty in the world.”
However,
So, if you believe we’ve made an error, please send an e-mail to editorial@theobserver.com, indicating what is to be corrected. We will ensure a correction is noted (if necessary) in a future print edition — and online.
If access to e-mail is not possible, please call us at (201) 991-1600.
In photo at left, seen at the Kearny fireworks celebation were Councilwoman Marytrine DeCastro, Mayor Carol Jean Doyle and Councilmen Fred Esteves and Jose Rodrigues. In the photo at right, a family enjoys the epic fireworks display.
Photos by Ron Smits
Booker spends time with Kearny’s chiefs U
NEWS BRIEFS
Kearny UNICO hosting Wind Creek bus trip
Kearny UNICO sponsors a bus trip to Wind Creek Sunday, Sept. 21. The cost is $42. A bus will leave at 9 a.m. from the American Legion, Belgrove Drive. All proceeds will benefit UNICO and its programs. To purchase tickets, contact Lou Pandolfi at lpandolfi@verizon. net.
KPSUE collecting used school uniforms
The Kearny Public School Uniform Exchange is beginning to collect donations of used uniforms at two locations — Super Laundromat at 336 Kearny Ave. and the Kearny VFW Post 1302 at 300 Belgrove Drive.
North Arlington residents: Get help paying for food
The North Arlington Health Department will host presentations for residents to learn how to apply for and receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits — from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Health Department, 10 Beaver Ave., July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18.
Appointments may be made by calling (201) 991-6060, ext. 123.
To make the application quicker, be prepared to present proof of income, proof of address, costs of rent and utilities, child- or adult-care expenses and medical expenses for those 60 and older or for those with a disability.
There is no fee to apply. If one is ever asked to pay to apply for such benefits, it is likely a scam.
Real Estate
COMPETING WITH CASH BUYERS
In real estate, cash is king. Nearly one-third of homes purchased in 2022 were paid for in cash. Many sellers will choose a cash offer over a financed one, even when the financed offer is higher, because all-cash transactions close faster, are less likely to fall through, and are less likely to require seller concessions. How can a financed buyer compete with a cash offer? An offer above asking price is always a good start. A higher earnest money deposit highlights your willingness to buy. A higher down payment shows that you’re not strapped for cash. Include an appraisal gap guarantee, which means the buyer will
pay the value difference in cash if an appraisal comes in under value.
We feel a strong responsibility to help you understand the many financial details associated with buying a home, including the various mortgages and programs that may be available to you. And although we are not financial advisors, we consider it an important part of our services to give you as much information as possible about this major issue of buying a new home. Contact us today if you need help with your real estate plans. We welcome buyers, sellers, and investors. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”
.S. Sen. Cory Booker paid a visit last week to take a tour of the new Portal Bridge North in South Kearny. Also present were Kearny’s chiefs — Fire Chief Joseph Mastandrea and Police Chief Scott Macfie. The new bridge will replace the current 114 year old structure and is expected to make train trips significantly easier. The bridge is shared by NJ Transit and Amrtrak.
COMMENT
Sen. Scutari and company: Better hope you don’t need help from this newspaper ever again ... you won’t get it
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
It all started because state Sen. Nicholas Scutari, a Democrat from Union County and that body’s president, decided towns were being unfairly burdened having to pay the nominal fees required of public notices. So, he proposed a bill that would no longer require legal notices to be published in newspapers and online news agencies. And what do you know?
He even got the Republicans to sign onto it. They can’t agree on anything in the Legislature, but they found their common ground on screwing the remaining newspapers that, like The Observer, have somehow found a way to survive despite having all odds pitted against us.
Now, as of March 1, 2026, the same legal notices will only have to be published on municipal websites. And if you’ve ever seen some of those sites, all we can say is
good luck ever finding the notices when it’s already nearly impossible to find anything of importance.
Voting to stick the knife even deeper into the newspaper business: Sens. Paul Sarlo, Brian Stack, Teresa Ruiz and Angela McKnight among others.
Also, Assembly Members Barbara McCann Stamato (whose photos have appeared in this newspaper often), Will Sampson, Gary Schaer (who sends us press releases) and Clinton Calabrese among others.
Only two members of the Assembly voted against the measure — Donald A. Guardian and Brian E. Rumpf, both Republicans — and not one in the Senate voted “no.”
Now, first, let’s address the so-called burdensome costs municipalities face with these announcements. Last week, the legal ads that ran in The Observer cost, respectively, $50, $7 and $54. Two court-related ads were more expensive but these do not
affect municipalities. The week before ads were $30 for one and $14.50 for the other. And the week before that, they were $26, $21, $19.50 and $45.
None of these ads are breaking the bank and eliminating them is hardly going to allow any municipality to lower taxes or help keep them stable. For that to happen, they would have needed to take thousands of legal ads each week — and that is simply not the case. Now don’t take our word for this if you mustn’t — every legal ad may be found on our e-Newspaper at www.theobserver. com. See for yourself.
So what does all of this mean?
The Observer has survived for 138 years. We were among the first to go online in 1996. Yet in this calendar year alone, every printed newspaper run by NJ Advance Media — most notably The Star-Ledger — went to online only and The Jersey Journal completely ceased operation. It happened because the economics of print have
changed for the worse exponentially since 1994 — the birth of the Web.
Yet some have found new ways to survive whether it’s via podcasts or any number of new avenues to generate revenue.
This needless bill may very well spell the death of many of the remaining printed newspapers, most of which are, like The Observer, weeklies.
And of course, just as he did when he refused to close the Keegan Landfill at first, Gov. Philip D. Murphy screwed us yet again by signing the bill into law.
As we have done in so many other ways, this newspaper will find ways to survive. But thanks to the likes of Scutari and Stamato and McKnight and Sampson, it won’t be made any easier. And when the day comes any of these fools need any kind of help from the printed press? And it will.
Perhaps they can look online somewhere because that help won’t be coming ever again from this printed newspaper.
SPORTS & HEALTH
Akar earns 2025 Jim Hague female Athlete of the Year
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
When Asya Akar was delivering spike after spike in the fall or setting new records as a jumper and thrower in the spring, it’s difficult to believe she didn’t really participate in either sport prior to arriving at Lyndhurst High School.
“I feel like I always picked stuff up quickly,” Akar said. “And I think going into high school, I knew I would do way more than just basketball. I thought I had the potential to get better and to improve the teams I was on.”
With her high school career now complete, it’s safe to say Akar did just that.
In the fall, Akar helped power Lyndhurst girls volleyball to its first sectional title since 1990,
leading the Golden Bears with 224 kills. Akar then followed it up during basketball season by becoming just the seventh girl to score 1,000 career points. Akar capped off a stellar senior year and high school career by qualifying for the group championships in three different events.
Akar can now add one more honor to put a bow on a jaw-dropping senior season — The Jim Hague Observer Female Athlete of the Year for the 20242025 school year.
The annual award is named in honor of Hague, who was The Observer’s sports writer for more than two decades. The longtime Kearny resident and the newspaper started presenting the Athlete of the Year Award to one local male and female athlete who excelled in multiple sports in 2003.
“I feel accomplished after all the seasons because it goes quickly,” Akar said. “By taking one sport at a time, it makes me very relieved at the end. I feel proud of myself.”
Akar, who also was a star flag football player, during her freshman through junior seasons, becomes the sixth Lyndhurst girl to win the award, joining former track & field teammate Julia Tozduman to become the second-consecutive Golden Bear to receive the honor.
“She’s pound for pound the No. 1 (athlete),” said head track coach Rich Tuero, who also coached Akar in basketball and flag football. “She’s honestly the best all-around female athlete I’ve ever seen. It’s not even close. She’s good at everything.”
Akar’s versatility shined brightest in track & field. At the
North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2 Championships when she medaled in three incredibly different events. In the triple jump, Akar’s best event, she jumped 35-0 to take second place. Akar took fifth in the 100 meter hurdles (16.56) and sixth in the discus (93-7).
Two weeks later at the Group 2 Championships, Akar then posted personal records in the triple jump (35-7), in which she took fourth place and in the 100 meter hurdles (16.12).
In 2024, Akar, along with Tozduman and Yasemin Ugurlu made history when all three medalled at the Bergen County Meet of Champions in the triple jump.
“She could do it all,” Tuero said. “Other than distance (events), she could have been on the track for the sprints, she
did the hurdles. She could have thrown the shot, the discus and the javelin. She could do it all. She was that good in track.”
Akar briefly ran track at Sacred Heart School in middle school, but didn’t do jumps or throws before high school. This year was her first for the hurdles and javelin.
Prior to high school, Akar’s volleyball experience was limited to playing in the backyard with her twin brother Bartu, himself a two-sport athlete at Lyndhurst.
Despite that lack of formal experience, Akar found herself as a starting middle her freshman season for a team that went 23-5.
“Basically all of my friends were like ‘we’re doing volleyball,’ and my older cousins would play. So when I saw them on the team,
See ATHLETE, Page 10
North Arlington Little League 12U exceeds expectations with District title
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
Robert Romeo is the first to admit he didn’t necessarily see this coming. While he felt the North Arlington Little League 12U team he coaches had the talent to be competitive, they were also the youngest team in the field combined with the way this group had struggled at this stage in the past.
Instead, this group, composed predominantly of players who are young for the 12U level became champions.
North Arlington ripped off seven consecutive victories, the last a decisive 14-4 win over Saddle Brook this past Tuesday to become the District 5 champions. It is the second time in three years
North Arlington’s 12U “Williamsport” team has won the district title after going 58 years without winning.
Only six of the 12 players on
the roster are 12-years-old, a rarity amongst its peers.
“We have some good pitching and we knew that we could be competitive with anybody, but they still exceeded every expectation I had of them,” Romeo saiad.
“The pitching was great and just from top to bottom, a complete team effort (on offense). Guys coming up with hits in big spots from 1 through 12. They were
great and it was awesome to see.”
Leading the way from the mound has been a dynamic onetwo duo in Anthony Henderson and Dylan Egan.
“They both throw very hard and they’re both very consistent,” said Romeo. “They’ve shown consistency over the past two weeks throwing strikes, getting their offspeed pitches over and I think that was a key in winning
those big games.”
Two pitchers alone isn’t enough to win a title and Tuesday’s final was a reminder of that as his son Luigi Romeo and James Lawler pitched on that night and provided key innings on multiple occasions as did Nicholas Reed.
Reed and Henderson have shared the catcher position. Jase Stadnicki has been stellar defen-
sively at first base while getting several big hits from the cleanup spot.
Alexander Cabrera has been the main second baseman with Lawler also seeing time there. The left side of the infield was a constant rotation depending on who was pitching. Luigi Romeo was the main third baseman with Egan and Lawler also playing there. Shortstop has been manned by Henderson along with Lawler and Egan.
Reed was the center fielder when he wasn’t catching with Alijah Cabrera also getting a lot of innings in center. In left and right field have been Cabrera, Caleb Perez, Robert Bredamus, Luke Stadnicki and Carlo Carselda. Stadnicki, the lone 10-year-old on the roster, has been one of the top hitters of the tournament.
North Arlington looks to keep this run going during the Sectional Tournament, which begins on Saturday at Bloomfield.
Lyndhurst Little League 7/8U head coach Jairo Espinal and his coaching staff knew this group of youngsters have bright futures based on their work with some of them as far back as t-ball.
The District 5 Tournament in late June showed that they’re ahead of schedule and already capable of playing at a high level.
On June 29, Lyndhurst’s 8U All-Stars capped off a dominant tournament run with a 6-1 victory over Rutherford to win the best of three series with its nearby rival to take the District 5 title.
Overall, Lyndhurst went 5-1 to capture its first District title at any age group since 2019.
“I’d say we were very optimistic going in that these kids were going to perform,” said Espinal, who coaches with Kevin Lebron, Michael DeCandia and Jim Onnembo.
“Obviously you don’t know what the outcome will be, but we were very optimistic. I and the other coaches love this age group.
“These kids have been playing for a while now, so it’s all kind of coming to fruition a lot faster than we thought.”
Alexander Espinal, Breyden Flanagan and Matthew Lebron have done the bulk of the pitching during this run for Lyndhurst. Catching them has been Nate Medrano.
CORNEAL DYSTROPHY: FUCHS DYSTROPHY OVERVIEW
The endothelium is the innermost layer of the cornea. It’s a layer of cells that remove extra fluid from the cornea. People with Fuchs dystrophy have too much fluid in their eyes because the disease causes the cells in the endothelium to die off. The fluid buildup causes the cornea to swell, and vision becomes hazy. The earlier stage of the disease may cause no symptoms, or a person may experience blurry vision in the morning after fluid builds up overnight. When the eyes are open during the day, fluid evaporation may allow for reduced swelling and normal vision. But in the second stage of the disease, too much fluid builds up overnight and vision remains blurry all day.
A variety of new treatments are being investigated that could change how Fuchs dystrophy is managed in the future. Since the discovery of the genetic mutation associated with most cases of Fuchs dystrophy, there is a better understanding of how the disease might develop. When it comes to scheduling preventive health appointments, eye exams are often overlooked. To schedule an appointment, please call 201-896-0096. You’ll find our office at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. To reach our optical shop, call 201-896-0007. We accept most insurance.
P.S. Although there is no cure for Fuchs dystrophy, it can be corrected with a partial or full corneal transplant.
At first base has been Dominant Tucker with Gio D’Ozzollinni starting at third base. The middle of the Lyndhurst has been a rotation with Lebron, Espinal and Flanagan manning second
base and shortstop in addition to pitching. Espinal has led the team in RBI and Flanagan in runs scored, each with 10.
Matteo DeCandia starts in center field with Matthew Novas and Luis Rodriguez in the corners.
James Onnembo, Rocco Rotundo and Matthew Sucuzhanay have also seen extensive time in the outfield.
As a whole Lyndhurst scored 55 runs during the six games thanks to an incredibly deep lineup which has seven players hitting .450 or better.
The Courage
in Care
Community Doulas and the Joyful Revolution of Birth on view
April 29 – July 15
ArtSpace
Street,
NJ
“Everyone’s contributed in some way, shape or form,” Espinal said. “That’s been the beauty of it. You’ve seen kids excel.”
Lyndhurst looks to keep its run going during the Sectional Tournament, which begins on Saturday at Garfield.
Last Sunday was the first tournament title of any kind for many of these kids and if they’re play in the District 5 Tournament was any indication, it will be the first of many in the years to come.
“The excitement is real (for both the players and coaches),” Espinal said. “It is beyond fun to see the little guys contribute and win.”
Photo courtesy of Amnerys Espinal
ATHLETE
Continued from Page 7
I was like ‘OK, let me try this. I’m tall and I have a good chance at being good,’” Akar said. “I tried it, not knowing it was going to be more serious for me and something that I would pursue.”
“Asya came in during her freshman year and made an immediate impact. She became a varsity starter as a freshman middle hitter and never looked back,” head coach Steve Vahalla said. “She progressed each year and was eventually moved to an outside hitter where she dominated the court, both in the front and back row.”
On the outside, Akar led Lyndhurst in kills with 224 while also
recording 169 digs and 31 aces as the Bears went 24-4 and shared the NJIC National Division title with Secaucus.
Two weeks after defeating Secaucus to clinch a share of the division title, Akar posted a game-best 10 kills as Lyndhurst defeated Mendham in three sets for the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2 title.
“That last game, the last point where it determined if we won or not, it was just a surreal moment, knowing we did that for our town,” Akar said. “We built something and we achieved everything we wanted to.”
For the longest time, basketball was Akar’s top sport. It was the one she played the most growing up and one she was good at right from the start.
“Make your vision picture perfect... See what you’ve been missing. Visit our office!”
A four-year starter, Akar knew she would have to handle a larger scoring role as a senior after preseason injuries to starters Brooke Harper and Kyla Marino. Akar did that, scoring 15.9 points per game, nearly three more than her junior year, while also averaging 7.6 rebounds per game.
Despite the loss of two key starters, Lyndhurst went 15-11, a record that surprised some after all it was missing.
“We were definitely looked down upon just because we lost a couple of good players, but I don’t think that stopped us from being a good team,” Akar said. “We could have accomplished way more with more people, but I think we still did the best we could.”
On Jan. 10, 2025, Akar scored
her 1,000th point. She finished with 1,206 points, the fourth most in school history.
“Asya truly does not get fazed by much,” head coach Dan Kesack said. “No matter the circumstances this season, she always carried herself with the same demeanor and confidence.
“Asya will always be remembered in the girls basketball program as an incredible person, teammate and player. She is extremely humble and is a great representative of our team and our school.”
Akar is set to continue her volleyball career at Ramapo College.
Initially, she was committed to play basketball at Ramapo. According to Akar, the opportunity is there for her to compete in both sports and did not rule out the possibility of playing both.
Domingues
Kaur
Carla Domingues
Michelle L. Botsacos
Whether it’s basketball or something else, when Akar does arrive at Ramapo, she is sure to be a part of multiple activities on campus in addition to volleyball.
“Whatever clubs there are, I would like to try,” Akar said. “I’m kind of spontaneous so whatever I come across and whatever opportunities Ramapo gives me, I’ll probably try because I like to put myself out there and I like to try new things all the time.
“I think really putting yourself out there and not being afraid to try new things helps because you never know what you could be good at. Trying new things never hurt. I like to figure out new things about myself.”
And if history is any indication, Akar is sure to thrive in these new opportunities.
Premier Car e TALK S
DYSTONIA
Dystonia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive movements and twisting or abnormal postures. It can affect a single muscle, a group of muscles, or the entire body, leading to discomfort and difficulties with daily activities. The exact cause of dystonia is often unknown, but it may result from genetic factors, brain injuries, or conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms vary depending on the type, with focal dystonia affecting specific areas such as the neck (cervical dystonia) or hands (writer’s cramp), while generalized dystonia impacts larger muscle groups. Diagnosis involves neurological examinations and
imaging tests to rule out underlying conditions. Early diagnosis and management are essential in improving the quality of life for individuals living with dystonia. Dystonia affects different people in different ways. Early symptoms of dystonia often are mild, occasional and linked to a specific activity. See a healthcare professional if you’re having muscle contractions that you can’t control. To schedule an appointment, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474, or visit us 7 days a week at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B. P.S. While there is no cure for dystonia, treatment options include physical therapy, medications like muscle relaxants and botulinum toxin injections, and deep brain stimulation.
Email any questions or comments to: premiercare@gmail.com
Premier Care Associates of West Hudson is available on a walk-in or appointment basis for your primary healthcare needs.
Dr. Prakash J. Doshi
Dr. Hector Aguilar
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
OBITUARIES
Helen Wilson
Helen Wilson, 88, of Whiting, died Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
Helen was born in Kearny on April 1, 1937, to her late parents, James and Jane (nee Hogan) DeSonne.
Helen moved to Whiting 10 years ago from Florida. Helen worked as a registered nurse for West Hudson Hospital in Kearny for 35 years. After her retirement, she would go on to volunteering at a cat shelter in Florida. She enjoyed gardening and having a collection of house plants, as well as walking on the beach and collecting shells and sharks’ teeth. Helen was an avid reader who would read whatever she could get her hands on.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband Warren “Pete” Wilson in 2012, her brother Edward DeSonne and her sister Mary.
Surviving Helen are her sons Robert Wilson and his wife Julie and James Wilson and her two beloved grandchildren Patrick and Kimberly Wilson.
Family and friends are invited to gather Monday, July 7, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Carmona-Bolen Home for Funerals, 66 Lacey Road, Manchester Township, New Jersey. Burial will be private. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.carmonabolenfh.com.
Thomas J. Mitchell
Thomas J. Mitchell died July 2, 2025.
He was 94. Born in Kearny to the late John and Rosalie Mitchell, Thomas — affectionately known as “Red” — was raised with strong values of service, family, and hard work. After graduating high
school, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving in France and Germany during the Korean Conflict.
After meeting the love of his life, Margaret Hasselwander, Tom left the Army and the two were married in October of 1956. They lived in Kearny before moving to Lake Hiawatha in 1964, where they raised their family and lived for 60 years.
Tom was a hard worker and a devoted family man. He worked for over twenty years at the Wilbur B. Driver Foundry Company in Newark, rising to the position of foreman. After that, he worked many years at Transistor Devices in Cedar Knolls before retiring at age 70.
A man of strength and faith, Red was an active parishioner of St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church in Parsippany. He was among the oldest living members of the American Legion, Lake Hiawatha Post 249 where he enjoyed the
camaraderie of his fellow veterans. His favorite vacation spot was Cape May where he enjoyed yearly vacations with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Thomas was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margaret, and his siblings John Mitchell and Rose Niedzinski. He loved his four children, Rose Barreto (Anthony), Nancy Clark (Greg), Colleen Kloss (Phil) and Thomas Mitchell (Karen); nine grandchildren Christine Dimovski, Heather Biringer, Kim Myers, Brian Mitchell, Chelsea Barreto, Kaitlin Mitchell, Kevin Mitchell, Joseph Kloss, and Julia Kloss; and three great grandchildren Tucker, Daphne, and Reagan. He leaves behind his dear sister, Marie Lynch, his brother-in-law, John Hasselwander (Edna), and many cherished relatives and friends.
Visiting hours will be held at the S.J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service, 60 North Beverwyck
Shaw-Buyus
All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission.
Road, Lake Hiawatha, NJ, on Sunday, July 6th, from 2–4 PM and 7–9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 7th at 1:30 PM at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Parsippany. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory may be made to the good work of the Alliance for Lupus Research.
Mark Laytos
Mark Laytos died June 15, 2025.
He was 65.
His funeral Mass took place on his birthday — July 1, 2025 — at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Kearny. Arrangements were by
the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. His cremation was private.
Mark was an I.T. inspector for Capital One in Bayonne. He loved hockey, especially the New Jerse Devils. He enjoyed his hobby as a ham radio operator. His ashes were placed into a special urn that looks like the Stanley Cup. He was the husband of the late Kathy (nee Pratko) and son of the late Richard and Lorrayne (nee Kulik) Laytos. He is survived by his brother Michael Laytos and his wife Lucia, his nieces Juliana and Sophie and his loving greataunt Irene Potts.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.
Mulligan Funeral Home
331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison
Arrangements may be made in Spanish, Portuguese or Polish Frank X. Mulligan III, Manager, NJ Lic. 4221 Frank X. Mulligan, Jr. Inactive Private Parking at 10 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. North 973-481-4333 visit us at: www.mulliganfh.com
Mark G. Wiggins, Manager N.J. Lic. #3916
You will feel as if friends of family have taken over when you entrust funeral arrangements to the Wilfred Armitage Funeral Home. The family-owned firm has been in business for 100 years, serving generations
BELLEVILLE 1 Bedroom Apartment, located on Garden Avenue, lower level, laundry facilities on site, 1 parking space, no dogs only 1 indoor cat de-clawed, no smoking, available immediately, great for single person or couple, $1,599.00 per month, 1 1/2 month security. Call Joanne 973-6993146 07W03
BELLEVILLE 1st floor
3 BR’s, 1 Bath, LR, Kitchen & DR combo, Heat & Hot water include, 1 months security required No Pets/ Smoking Available Now (973)759-7077 08W03
OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS
E.NEWARK 2nd floor
Newly renovated 3 BR’s, LR, Kitchen & Bath, C/A & Laundry, 1.5 months security, Utilities not included, No Pets/ smoking Available July 15th (201)334-8526 or (973)508-6695 07W03
HARRISON 2nd floor, 2 BR, LR, DR, EIK $1,800 + 1 month security. Utilities not included Walking distance to PATH. No pets. No smoking. Avl. Now (201)978–8853 0139 07W03
HARRISON New Home 2nd fl. 3 BR’s, 2 Baths. Close to transportation. No Pets/ Smoking. Available Now. (201)709-0645 or (973)741-8292 Leave Message 08W03
HARRISON 2nd floor 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, LR/DR combo, Kitchen. Central Air $1650 + 1.5 months security Utilities separate No Pets. No Smoking. Available Now (201)376-7464 08W03
HARRISON 1ST Floor 1 BR, LR, Kitchen DR open concept 1 Parking space $1850 + 1.5 months security Utilities included No Pets/Smoking Available Now (201)3767464 08W03
HARRISON John St. 1st fl. 3 rooms, 1 BR, $1650 + 1 months security Separate utilites. Access to Yard Avl. Now (201)988-5770 Hablamos español 09W01
HARRISON 2nd floor newly renovated 1 BR, Open concept EIK,Hardwood floors throughout, C/A & Heat $1900 + Months security Utilities separate No smoking, Pets limited Available Now (201)780-1892 08W03
HARRISON 3rd floor 4 BR’s, 2 Bath’s, LR, EIK, $3100 + 1.5 months securtity Utilities separate Close to PATH & Stores No Pets/smoking Available Now Text only (646)675-5113 09W03
KEARNY Fully renovated, Centrally located, 2 BR’s, 1st floor. Washer/ Dryer hook up. $2,200/ Month + 1.5 Month Security. Utilities separate. Must have excellent credit. No Smoking. No Pets. Available Now. Leave message (201) 467-6878 07W03
KEARNY Studio Apartment for rent No pets, no smoking. $1700 per month. 1.5 months Security deposit Please call 862-505-6877 Ella 07W03
KEARNY 1 BR apt. HT/ HW included also Hardwood floors , $1,500 + 1.5 months security. No pets/smoking. Available Now. For more Info Call 201-306-2994 09W03
KEARNY 2 BR apt. HT/ HW included also Hardwood floors , $1,950 + 1.5 months security. No pets/smoking. Available Now. For more Info Call 201-306-2994 09W03
KEARNY Elevated building 1 BR APT. HT/HW included. $1,575 + 1.5 Months Security See Super, 654 Elm St, Kearny. Laundry facility on premises Call Sofia after 3pm (201)998-3516 for appointment. 09W03
KEARNY 1st Floor 40 Highland Ave 2 BR’s, LR, EIK 1.5 months security, Utilities separate,credit required No Pets/ Smoking Available Now (201)998-0509 09W03
KEARNY 2nd FL. 1 BR. LR, Dining Room, EIK. Parking or storage garage included. No pets/ no smoking. $2000 + 1 months security. Utilities Separate. Available now (201)889-4655 08W03
KEARNY 3rd Fl, 1 Bdrm
$1700 + 1 months security Utilities separate Safe building cameras Walk to all amenities hardwd flrs Avail 7/15 call 201-955-0001 08W03
KEARNY 1st Floor 2
BR, with 1 Bath, LR.DR. Newly remodeled Bath, $2000 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets/Smoking Available Now (201)3767464 08W03
KEARNY Newly renovated 3 BR Duplex, 1 Bath, EIK, Washer/Dryer hook-up $2300 + 1.5 months security Utilities separate Access to backyard & storage Available August 1st (201)465-4228 08W03
KEARNY 2 + BR 7 Rooms EIK, LR, 1 Bath No Pets / No Smoking Credit and Background Check $2,200 + 1.5 month security Utilities not included W/D hookup Available August 1st James 201725-2800 09W03
KEARNY 1 BR $1600 2 BR $1,995 + 1.5 Months security. HT/HW included. See Super 6 Woodland Ave. Apt. 1 (201)892-8035 for appointment 09W03
LYNDHURST 1st floor 1 BR, LR & Computer room 1 Bath, Kitchen $1900 + 1 months security Utilities included No Pets/Smoking Available Now (201)7094906 07W03
LYNDHURST 2 BR
$2,500 + 1.5 months security, Heat & hot water inclueded, utilities separate Heat/Hot Water Included. 2nd floor of two family home. Street Parking. Availabe Now Please contact Joann at 973-277-0942 if interested. Please call/do not text 08W03
N.ARLINGTON 2 BR, EIK, LR Completely renovated Private entrance/deck, Washer/ dryer hookup, Attic storage, Off-street parking (additional fee) $2,400/month + utilities 1-year lease 1½ months security deposit No pets / No smoking Credit report & employment verification required Available July 1 201-723-3415 07W03
N.ARLINGTON 2nd floor 1 BR, $1600 + 1.5 months security, Utilities separate, Close to Transportation No Pets/ Smoking, Couple or single person Preferred Available now (201)8893110 07W03
N.NEWARK 4 room apt. private home 2nd fl. Close to NYC Transportation. Kitchen, LR, 1 BR/OFFICE Space, no pets or laundry. Street parking only. Utilities included. $1,700+ 1 month security. Avl. September 1st. Couple preferred References Required. For more info call Anthony (973) 485-6417 or (862)7553502 08W03
GE Full size Portable dishwasher on wheels, used twice new $350.00 (973)7032540 07W03
Fabric Loveseat good condition, light grey color, cash only payments , buyer must be able to pick up the item, location Belleville , NJ Dimensions 63 inches length 37 inches width 36.6 inches height $200, Real interested inquiries only, will text picture (917)254-2684 07W03
Liquor Store and Mini Market with more than 30 years in Kearny NJ $455,000 plus inventory. Open to negotiate and finance (862)202-5765 08W03
PRIVATE AIDE Part time or weekend evenings (201)814-8626 07W03
KEARNY
OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS
PAINTING
MASONRY
LANDSCAPING & DESIGN
Mario Esposito’s Landscaping LLC *Fall Clean up *Snow Removal
Outbound calls $18/h + bonus 9am-1pm When trained will lead to FT Split adding 4-7pm Must be fluent in Spanish.
Mature people person enjoys talking on the phone 201-247-8064 for interview
07W03
PART TIME
Exterminator needed will train
(201) 438-1987
06W06
Apply in person 102 3rd Avenue Unit G Kearny,NJ,07032 08W03
Three (3) Software Programmer Analyst sought by Vandoo LLC for their Newark, NJ location. Candidate must have a master’s deg in comp sci, comp engg, s/ware engg or directly rltd field & 1 yr of prgrmg exp. Must also have 1 yr of exp utilizing the following techn’l skills: Full S/ware Dvlpmt Life Cycle (SDLC) incl plan, dsgn, dvlp, test & document new comp systems; Implmt data warehouse applics to support accurate data analysis & modelling, & provide support, troubleshooting & deployment; Change tickets, executing code & job monitoring to manage various IT envrmts; Coding languages, frameworks & technologies incl Python, Unix & Perl; SQL, PL/SQL Oracle Prgmg; SQL server, Oracle d/base; Dsgn, dvlp, test, & support d/base objects incl but not limited to data models, triggers, packages, procedures, functions, & data loads; Analyze & evaluate code base in order to maintain continuous integration, identify issues, provide feedback & meet qlty stds; Perform & document reqmts analysis, confirm the reqmts w/ the customers, & dvlp & deliver solutions as per the reqmts. Must be willing to travel &/or relocate to unanticipated client locs in the US. Domestic travel for short & long-term assignments at client locs as needed. Respond to: Apply at Hiring@vaandu.com.
09W01
Shakespeare in the Park returning to West Hudson
William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” will be performed free of charge at Arlington Depot Park in Kearny Saturday, July 12, at 7 p.m. and at East Newark’s Riverfront Park on Sunday, July 20, at 6 p.m.
“Be sure to bring a picnic blanket, lawn chairs, and get ready for another unforgettable evening of Shakespeare, right here in our West Hudson community,”
WHATCo President Brandi-Leigh Miller said. “We are also grateful to our community partner, the Spanish Pavillion. for providing our cast with a comfortable and spacious regular rehearsal space. Michael Fernandez and his team have been incredibly generous to us.”
“The Tempest” will be directed by Matt Masiello, with script consultants Elizabeth Meisenzal and Emily Schepker. Producers are Amanda Castro-Conroy and Brandi-Leigh Miller; the stage manager is Emily Schepker; assistant stage managers are Nilanthi Sangarabalan and Chelsea Lennon; the inclusion coordinator is Joseph Jones; costume designer
is Samantha Egge; costume assistant is Marilyn Gates; set design is by Brian Sullivan and Mike Raysor; properties by Ash Nichols; original music composed by Alexander Matthew.
The cast includes Christopher Tully, Scout Graham, Joseph Jones, Jackie Wilberton, Tom Murtagh, Jessica Jones, Dylan Catania, Amanda Regan, Tess Nunan, John Jesse Jeffords, Maggie Madere, Darell A. Richardson, Tate Olitt, Sarah Bergin, Carlos Caban De Jesus, Ash Nichols, Nick Maes, Ed Shea, Amanda Castro-Conroy and Anthony Cornatzer.
n
In a collaboration with the Teaneck New Theatre and Hackensack Performing Arts Center, WHATCO will also present free performances of “The Tempest” at the HACPAC Atlantic Street Park, 102 State St., Hackensack, on Wednesdays, July 9, 16 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.
There are no rain dates.
Visit www.whatconj.org and www.gotnt.org for updated information.
Schuyler School honors announced
Schuyler School in Kearny has announced its fourth-quarter honor roll and June Students of the Month:
Principal’s Honors
Grade 4
Sophia Capurro-Rendon, Alexa Ciudad Real, Eliana Inoa, Olivia McNally, Yeshua Moreano Llumiquinga, Shayla Soriano, Maria Eduarda De Franca, Clarabelle Cook, Lucas Gomes, Sophia Lepore, Aiden Silvestre.
Grade 5
Ian Alava, David Caceres, Sophia Fermaint, Aiden Varilias, Luisa Abarca, Daniel Cabrera Polanco, Lucas Desa, Zachary McCarthy, Lyla Soto, Olivia Vaz, John Zabala, Ethan Solis.
Grade 6
Amy Betancourt, Gabriella Muniz-Ramirez, Bryan Robledo, Nicholas Ball, Sofia Betancourt, Jack Harding, Mateo Martinez, Elaine Yang, Jeremy Funes, Julian Leiro, Joel Soriano.
Honors
Grade 4
Vincent Ball, Francisco Chang Cardenas, Ashleen Hora, Julieta Jaramillo Novoa, Stefanno Orellano, Carmelo Rojas, Khedira Solano Calderon, Marcy Vargas Lorenzo, MillieJo Buchanan, Jeremiah Espinoza, Zoe Hernandez, Ian Martinez, Luciano Refosco Medina, Sabali Roberts, Raymond Yang.
Grade 5
Africa Acevedo Toboada, Gabriela Dudek, Octavius Wojcik, Hannah Cosmeus, Pahola Delgado, Nayely Ortiz-Rodriguez, Ava Astorga, Adrian Cabrera, Jose Hernandez, Andrew Real-Tice, Lucas Canales.
Grade 6
Sebastian Colon, Gianna DeAza, Raquel DeOliveira, Isabella Muniz-Ramirez, Camila Padilla Ascoy, Ava Taggart, Lucas Varilias, Jaeden Zhang, Gianna Dimatteo, Simon Fernandez, Angela Moawwad, Rochelle Muyudumbay, Ella Perez, Johanna Villafa-
Students of the Month for June Leonardo Ribeiro, Aria Inoa, Omari Lascelles, Alma Leadbeater, Jazmine Robledo, Sara Shah, Olivia Aviles, Matthew Abreu, Emily Sandoval-Vidal, Fallon Ricciardi, Sienna Villavicencio, Scarlett Teixeira,Whitney Ortez,Rylee Campos, Jasiyah Mitchell, Leah Rosenbloom, Ivan Martinez, Liam Bravo, Yeshua Moreano Llumiquinga, Julia Silva, Isaias Moreno Garcia,Luciana Garcia Valencia, Sofia Betancourt, Gianna DeAza, Ella Perez, Declan Baignosche, Lyla Soto, Ava Astorga, Lucas Varilias, Olivia Mennella, Miguel Reyes, Owen Bayer, Ghali Zahidi, Joel Soriano, Melania Neves, Aiden Silvestre, Nicholas Zuza, Jackson Leszau, Raymond Yang, Alianny Lora, Camila Alvarez Cortes, Isaias Moreno Garcia, Gabriella Saldanha.
JPA
Continued from Page 1
general, but he credits all of it to the kids and the amazing support he had from volunteers throughout the program.
“Believe it or not, this is the first time that I’m not really labored with my voice. Usually at this point I’m just hoping everyone can hear me. But that’s because these kids really did such a great job this week. It was awesome,” he said. “I’ve also had a lot of great squad leaders over the years, but I’ve never had such a strong group of them.
“These kids were ready to get stuff done right from the get-go. They jumped in, asked questions and handled things. Today was probably the easiest day I’ve had since I started doing this. But again, it’s due to the support I’ve been given to do it and to the people who showed up to get things done. All our officers come out to do what they can and show up, even if it’s for 15 minutes with your kids, because it’s important for them to feel safe with us.”
This year was particularly special for the program as it featured a visit from a special guest, former heavyweight champion of cage fury fighting championships and ESPN’s 2024 Coach of the Year, Plinio Cruz. The Brazilian mixed-martial-arts coach runs his own studio on East Center Street in town, where he offers various classes that focus on self-defense and commonly trains police officers. Cruz visited the Junior Police Academy during a self-defense demonstration and led small groups through a few drills.
Cruz praised the program for exposing youngsters to different areas of police work, emphasizing the importance of empowering young ones.
Paul Carnicella , of a local MMA establishment, also dedicated his time and supplied pads for the kids to work with. Both Carnicella and Cruz offered free lessons to all academy recruits.
Eighth-graders Mia Sessoms and Mia DeLuca were among some of the older students who stood out among the group as role
models for the younger kids.
Being in the program for three years, Sessoms described how she has enjoyed seeing the program change over the years, while still emphasizing the same core values.
“The trips are getting better and better. First it was the Liberty Science Center, then the Intrepid Museum and now American Dream, which are progressively getting more fun. It makes me excited to see what’s to come in the future,” she said. “At the
same time, I’ve learned so much discipline. My attention span has gotten so much better since our phones are almost always in our bags. I would definitely recommend the program to other kids because besides the trips and stuff, it’s actually a lot of fun.”
Even though DeLuca only participated in the program for two years, she was grateful for the experiences and all the fun she got to have with her friends.
“My favorite thing I learned was probably how to bandage a
wound because I think that could be really helpful in the real world,” she said. “I think this program is important because if more kids learn about this stuff, then they’ll be better prepared and more likely to understand what these professionals really do.”
DeLuca encourages others to join the program because “you’re going to learn a lot, you’re going to meet a lot of new people and you’re going to have lots of fun.”
Meanwhile, Padilla shared similar sentiments about the program,
explaining how important it is for young people to learn to live in the moment and be present.
“You would be surprised at the conversations we heard and the friends that they had an opportunity to make, all because they were present,” he said. “They’re leaving here different kids, but that’s up to them to continue. They know how to listen, how to be patient, and how to learn. So, never set the bar low because they have the potential to rise to every challenge they meet.”
