OBITUARIES

Antonet ROLAND Antonet Roland (née Donatuccio), 89, fondly known as “Skippy” or “Ann,” of the Township of Washington, formerly of Paramus and Lodi, passed away on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. Beloved wife of Jerry Roland. Devoted mother of Tracy and her husband Darren Alexander and Kevin Roland. Cherished grandmother of Matthew Alexander, Kayla Alexander, Christopher Alexander, and Ryan Alexander. Treasured aunt of Michael Donatuccio, David Donatuccio, and Tommy and his wife Cheryl Donatuccio. Also survived by her best friend Mae Nalesnik and her loyal and loving caregivers Maria Farber and Madge Grant. Predeceased by her loving mother Celeste Donatuccio, her brother Thomas Donatuccio, and her sister Mary DiMaria. Services were at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood, followed by interment at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions in Antonetʼs memory may be made to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

Nellie LENT Nellie Lent (née Hazen), 92, of Woodcliff Lake, formerly of River Edge and Homosassa, Florida, passed peacefully on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. Beloved wife of Bill Lent for 72 years. Devoted mother of David Lent and his wife Karen and Gary Lent and his wife Sharon. Dear sister of Harry and Herm Hazen. Cherished grandmother of Andrew Lent and his wife Christy. Greatgrandmother of Adam and Alyssa Lent. Also survived by greatgreat-grandson Kai. Predeceased by her parents Sadie and Herman Hazen and brothers Garry, Hank and Len Hazen. Nell was born in Midland Park and graduated from Pompton Lakes High School in 1946. She met the love of her life, Bill, while in high school at the Paramus Roller Rink and they were married in 1949. She started working as a secretary at Glen Rock Junior High in 1946 and continued until shortly before the birth of her first child in 1953. She then pivoted to a very successful career as a stayat-home mom in the family house in River Edge. She was active in her sonsʼlives including several stints as a Cub Scout den mother. In 1971 Nell returned to fulltime work, joining the Grand Union Company as an executive secretary in the corporate office. In a 23-year career she became executive secretary to the CEO before retiring in 1994. Nell and Bill then spent time between River Edge and their second home in Phoenicia, New York, until 1998. They then sold the River Edge house, built a house in Homosassa, and became snowbirds for 10 years. She volunteered for five years at the Citrus Memorial Hospital Clinic in Homosassa. She loved going on Tauck Tours, golfing, playing bridge and seeing her family. She was the family organizer for reunions. They were an annual event for years in River Edge and Phoenicia and then Homosassa in 2008 when she became a full-time Florida resident. She was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church of River Edge and then the First Methodist Church of Homosassa. Nell was a good friend, wonderful wife and a great mom. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. Rather than flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Barbara J. CHRISTIE Barbara J. Christie, 77, of Woodcliff Lake passed away on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021. Barbara is survived by her husband, David Van Houten; her children, Nancy (Brad), Ted, and Paul (Michelle); and her sisters, Paula (Jerry), Marcia (Kenny), Kathy (Peter, rest in peace). Barbara was also blessed with her husbandʼs children, Robert (Pia), David (Nancy), Billy, and Linda (Greg); her grandchildren, Jacob, Ryan, Andrew, Stephen, Brendan, Dakota, Kristen, Eric, Madison, Carly, Kayla, Ashley and Matthew; and a great-grandson, Henry. Barbara worked as an executive secretary and spent the last two decades retired with her husband in Lake Ariel, Penn. There she enjoyed traveling, bowling, golf, painting, Mah-jongg and many fun times with family and friends. Services were held at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood.

Barbara VALLARIO Barbara “Bobbi” Vallario, 81, of Pequannock, formerly of River Vale, passed away Nov. 28, 2021 after a courageous battle with Parkinsonʼs disease. Barbara Ann Fabiano was born in Newark on Feb. 15, 1940 to Michael Fabiano and Maria Nicolette. She is survived by her beloved husband, Steve, of 57 years; two cherished daughters, Stephanie (Vallario) Wikstrom and Maria (Vallario) Laviano; her two sons-in-law whom she adored, David Wikstrom and Frank Laviano; and her loving grandchildren, Matthew Wikstrom, Daniel Wikstrom, Victoria Laviano, and Vincent Laviano. She met her love, Stephen Vallario, at a country club dance and was married May 31, 1964. Steve and Barbara started their family in Central Valley, New York, and in 1972 they moved to River Vale where they raised their two daughters, Stephanie and Maria, fondly referred to as “the girls.” In River Vale they enjoyed over 47 years of memories, most of them celebrating what mattered most—being with family. In 2018 they relocated to Cedar Crest, an Erikson Living community in Pompton Plains. Barbara gained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Montclair State Teachers College. She went on to have a successful career teaching at Berkley Secretarial school and carried those skills to her position as executive assistant to the Board of Education at Bergen Tech Academies in Hackensack. A natural teacher, she also directed and trained teams of consultants in Mary Kay Cosmetics earning the coveted pink car, a symbol of successful achievement in leadership and sales within the company. Barbaraʼs greatest joy was being known as “Grammy” to her four grandchildren, Matthew, Daniel, Victoria and Vincent. She was overflowing with love and adoration for each of them and supported all their interests, passions and dreams. In her spare time, she enjoyed taking pictures and spending time with the family. Barbara was one of the kindest people you could ever meet— a compassionate, gentle soul who opened her heart to many. A funeral service was held at St. Pius X R.C. Church, Old Tappan, followed by committal at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MichaelJFox.org for Parkinsonʼs research.

Kevin J. CHRISTEL Kevin J. Christel, 74, of Green Township, Indiana, formerly of Park Ridge, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021 following a brief illness. Kevin was born in Perth Amboy on Sept. 10, 1947 to the late John and Margaret (Blun) Christel. He graduated from Metuchen High School in 1965 and then from Buena Vista University in 1969. While living in Park Ridge, he served on the borough council from 1984–1990. During that time he served as part of the boroughʼs Finance Committee and as police commissioner. He had a career in insurance and risk management prior to moving to Indiana. He also owned his own specialized footwear business for 10 years. His favorite hobby was railroading, which he videoed and shared on YouTube. He leaves behind his loving wife Kathy (Powers) Christel; two sons, Jason and Jeffrey; one granddaughter, Petrina; two sisters, Cathy (Christel) Ott and Peggy (Christel) Khoury; and one step-son, Scott Keegan, his wife and two daughters. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Reginald J. DUNCAN Reginald J. Duncan, 99, of Park Ridge passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021 at home surrounded by his family, three months shy of his 100th birthday. Beloved husband of the late Christina for 65 years. Devoted father of Tina LaMereand her husband Glenn, Deborah Krebs and her husband Steve, James Duncan and his fiancee Janet Casey, Thomas and John Duncan. Cherished grandfather of Cristin LaMere and partner Amy, Douglas and his wife Cortnie, David and his wife Christina, Caroline DePascale and her husband Matt and 11 great-grandchildren, Matthew, Caitlin and Jack Turcina, Sydney, Sawyer and Alex LaMere, Joseph and Blake LaMere, and Remi, James and Henry DePascale. He also leaves behind his beloved dog Gracie. Predeceased by his sister Bertha and brother William. Reggie was corporate fleet manager for Volvo Cars of North America for 25 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Park Ridge, the past president of the Park Ridge Golden Age Social Club, American Legion Post 153, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was extremely proud to have served his country and to have been a World War II veteran. Reggie served with the United States Army in Europe as a member of an Engineer Battalion and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He was very proud of his medals, especially his Expert Marksman badge. Reggie was an accomplished musician who received his first trumpet at 11. He used his talent on the trumpet to help pay for his college expenses. Thought to be the oldest bugler in New Jersey, he played “Taps” at Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and 9/11 ceremonies until he was 97. Reggie was the most loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He always put his familyʼs needs first. Even in his final days he wanted to know if there was anything he could do for his family. A generous giver of his time and resources, he donated to numerous charities, causes, and those in need. Reggie was grateful for his long life and he will be greatly missed.

Estelle R. OAKLEY Estelle R. Oakley (née McNulty), 79, of Montvale, formerly of Park Ridge, peacefully passed away on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021. Beloved wife of Frank Oakley for 57 years. Devoted mother of Laurie and Kathleen Oakley. Cherished grandmother of Evan Giaccio. Predeceased by her parents, Hugh and Estelle McNulty. Also predeceased by her sister, Joanne Mangels. Services were held at Our Lady Mother of the Church, Woodcliff Lake, followed by interment in Madonna Cemetery, Fort Lee. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in memory of Estelle to your favorite charity.

Frank L. LOMBARDI Frank L. Lombardim 81, of Westwood passed away on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021. Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Jane; his children, Michael, Linda, and Larry and his wife DawnMarie; as well as his grandsons, Matthew, Ryan and Nicholas. He is predeceased by his parents, Luigi and Annunziata. He was a political reporter for the New York Daily News for most of his career. He had a strong passion for reading and he loved watching the New York Yankees on TV. A Mass celebrating Frankʼs life and faith was held at St. Andrewʼs Church in Westwood. Committal, Madonna Cemetery and Mausoleum, Fort Lee. Memorial contributions can be made in Frankʼs name to the Covenant House of Habitat for Humanity.

Colleen F. LEGENTIL Colleen F. Legentil, 69, of Tinton Falls, formerly of the Township of Washington, passed away on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021. Colleen is survived by her son Chris and daughter-in-law Jenna, her grandchildren Gavin and Dylan, her sister Nancy Gribbon, as well as her loyal friend Ron DʼEspies and devoted caregiver Jeanne Merker. She is predeceased by her husband Bernie. Colleen worked for decades in the human resources industry as a senior consultant. She enjoyed reading and spending time at the beach. Services were held at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood, with inurnment at Westwood Cemetery following. Memorial contributions can be made in Colleenʼs name to Alzheimerʼs research.