OBITUARIES

Richard L. ‘Dick’

ROSENCRANS

Richard L. “Dick” Rosencrans, 96, of Park Ridge, the son of Charles E. and Meda M. (née Zimmerman) Rosencrans, passed away on Dec. 29, 2022. Predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Helen C. (née Markovich), the love of his life. Survived by three children: Richard C. Rosencrans and wife, Karen, Clyde, N.C.; David Rosencrans, Wappingers Falls, N.Y.; Lynn Rosencrans-Morganand husband, Tim, Old Tappan. Three grandchildren: Richard J. Rosencrans and wife Lindsey, Portland, Oregon; Kelly Michel and husband Aaron, Seattle, Wash., and Brian R. Morgan, Park Ridge. Three great-grandchildren: Reed George, Lillian Jane, Rose Helen and one more on the way.

Born in Jersey City, he moved from Hoboken to Lyndhurst as a baby, meeting Helen as a child. He graduated Lyndhurst High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17 and was sent to Sampson NTS in New York for basic training. He then trained for special radio operations in Bedford Springs, Penn, in preparation for the possible invasion of Japan, serving in the Philippines during WWII, and on the USS Winston AKA-94, Naval Amphibious Operations during the Korean conflict. He graduated from Bergen Junior College on the G.I. Bill.

Richard found his lifeʼs career in law enforcement, serving with both the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Bergen County police departments prior to 30 years with the Bergen County Sheriffʼs Department.

He was instrumental in the establishment of the first countywide law enforcement communications program, retiring as captain. Richard enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and traveling the East Coast with his trailer, spending much time in Florida and Pennsylvania.

He was a neighborhood character, walking his beloved dogs, strolling the neighborhood or in his garden. Quick-witted, he was always good for a joke or to tell you a story. He lived life his own way on his own terms.

Visitation Wednesday, Jan. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge. Interment in Westwood Cemetery, Westwood.

Donations to RBARI, Ramapo Bergen Animal Rescue Inc. or Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Jean Carol AYTON

Jean Carol (Strough) Ayton, 93, was born in Fulton, N.Y. on Dec. 26, 1928, to educators Lyndon H. Strough and Winifred (Near) Strough. She grew up in Niagara Falls, N.Y. and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1945. Growing up, she enjoyed reading, writing, poetry, and swimming.

She attended Syracuse University. She studied speech and English, enjoyed the Chi Omega sorority, and graduated in 1950. She then obtained a masterʼs degree in education at Cornell University.

In the mid-Fifties, she moved to Bergenfield to work in remedial education, a career she enjoyed until she became a mother: In 1958, she met the love of her life, Edward Ayton. They were married in September 1959. Their only child, David, was born in May 1961. In 1963 they settled in Woodcliff Lake, where she lived for 51 years. They belonged to the First Congregational Church, where she was a leader in Sunday school and active as a lay worship leader.

She and her husband volunteered in Boy Scout Troop 349; she served on the troop committee and provided secretarial services.

Once her son was grown she started a new career at Emerson Public Library, where she enjoyed serving the public and maintaining the circulation. She retired in 2008.

She shared a passion for writing with her granddaughters. She was a skilled editor, helping friends and family with their literary projects.

In recent years she moved to Dorothy Love Retirement Community in Sidney, Ohio to be near her son and his family.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 46 years. She is survived by her son, David Ayton, and his wife, Kendra; grandchildren Eliza Lee (Stephen), Melissa Cosmos (Joshua), and great-grandchildren Anna Lee and Myla Cosmos.

She also is survived by her niece Melinda Boyce (Henry) and her nephew Jim Ayton (Beatrice), as well as her cousin William Hullet (Judy).

In keeping with Jeansʼs wishes she will be cremated and a memorial service will be held in Park Ridge in the spring. Condolences may be left for the Ayton family at salm-mcgillandtangemanfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ohioʼs Hospice of Dayton or the First Congregational Church of Park Ridge. SalmMcGill and Tangeman Funeral Home is honored to be taking care of the Ayton family.

Angelo COLELLA Angelo Colella of Park Ridge passed away, peacefully, on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022. Beloved husband of Bar-

WESTWOOD CEMETERY CO.

Choice in-ground and new mausoleum sites available COMPAREOURPRICES! Veteranʼs Discount Available 23 S. Kinderkamack Road, Westwood NJ 201-664-7161

bara (née Karlstromer) for 37 years. Devoted father of Antonella Colella; Jerry Colella and his wife, Georgia, Karyn Miller, and the late Anthony Colella.

Dear brother of Maria. Cherished grandfather of Damon, Alyssa, Melina, Brian and Antonio. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Angelo graduated culinary school in Italy. He had owned Old Homestead in Great Neck, N.Y. and Mama Sorentoʼs in Forest Hills, N.Y. and currently owned 103 Prime at Valentinoʼs (Valentinoʼs of Park Ridge).

Visitation 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 2 at Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road Park Ridge, rsfhi.com. Funeral service is Tuesday, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Entombment in Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery, West Palm Beach, Fla.

William

MULLER JR.

William Muller Jr., 89, of Woodcliff Lake, formerly of Park Ridge, passed away on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022. William is survived by his niece Janet Schultheis-Cook; his nephew Ralph Schultheis and his wife Donna Schultheis; as well as his great-nephew Ryan Schultheis.

He is predeceased by his dear wife, Nora, and his sisters Mildred Muller and Edith Schultheis.

He was a car salesman at IJ Demarest Chevrolet, and loved gardening, landscaping, and cooking. He was the glue of the family, pulling everyone together for family gatherings. William also enjoyed making people laugh. After moving to Sunrise Assisted Living, He played the harmonica, told jokes, and even sang with their entertainment staff.

The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, on Thursday, Jan. 5 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a service at 12:30 and interment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus to follow. Memorial contributions can be made in Williamʼs name to the Multiple Sclerosis Association at mymsaa.org/donate.

Clare SPITSEN

Clare Spitsen, 93, of Park Ridge passed away on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. She was born in Hollis, N.Y. to the late Paul and late Irene (Clifford) Spitsen in 1929.

She graduated from St. Elizabeth University, Morristown, in 1950. Clare worked as an administrator in the records department for Port Authority of New York and New Jersey until her retirement.

A lifelong devout Catholic, Clare was active in Our Lady of Mercy Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister.

She loved to travel and took many trips and cruises all around the world. She is survived by many cousins on both the Spitsen and Clifford sides of her family.

Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 6 at Our Lady of Mery Roman Catholic Church, Park Ridge. Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, N.Y. Arrangements by Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc., Park Ridge.

Elizabeth KUCHENMEISTER

Elizabeth Elsa Allen Kuchenmeister, 82, passed away on Dec. 31, 2022. She grew up in Dumont, and was a 50-year resident of the Township of Washington.

Betty, as she was known by her family and friends, attended Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Va.

In 1963, Betty and Clifford were married. They lived in Bad Nauheim, Germany for a year while Clifford completed his tour. When they returned to the United States they started their family.

Betty is survived by Cliff Jr., Brian and his wife, Rose; Edward; and Carolyn and her husband, Jason. Betty was blessed with four grandchildren: Patricia, Christina, Joseph, and Brianna. She is also survived by her sister, Suzanne Desmet. Betty was predeceased by her husband, Cliff, and her parents, Lina and Horace Allen.

Betty was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood on Wednesday, Jan. 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral service is at Becker Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 10 a.m. with internment at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. Becker-funeralhome.com.

Norma

DICRISTINA

Norma DiCristina, 94, passed away in Park Ridge on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022. Norma was born on Dec. 29, 1927 and lived most of her life in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was the beloved wife of the late Paul DiCristina (1986). She will be sadly missed by her loving and devoted daughters, Patricia Whitelaw (Herbie) and Debbie Neumaier (Joe), grandchildren Paul Neumaier (Erin) and Stephanie Neumaier and her fiancé, James Slupatchuk and two great-grandsons, Mason and Oliver Neumaier.

For the past three months Norma resided at the Family of Caring Assisted Living at Park Ridge. We are eternally grateful for the compassionate care she received by the nurses, aides and residents.

Visitation for family and friends on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Robert Spearing Funeral Home Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, rsfhi.com. Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. on