Frank Patti Funeral Directors

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Frank Patti Funeral Directors

Frank Patti the only name you need to know in funeral service serves all faiths, NJ's first funeral home selected as an NFDA Best of the Best Funeral Home

Frank Patti has served countless families in their time of need. The attention to detail is evident in our spacious facility with lush landscape, comfortable visiting rooms and private family suites. Voted the first NJ recipient of the NFDA Best of the Best award and selected as one of nine Best of the Best funeral homes in the nation at the 2006 NFDA convention.

01/30/2026

Donald J Tarallo

Donald J. Tarallo, 88, resident of Paramus, NJ.

Born 6/30/1937 and passed lovingly into the arms of the Lord, 1/30/2026.

Donald, aka Wh**ey and Poppy, is survived by his younger brother, William Tarallo, his daughters, Jacqueline May Gadaleta and her husband Peter and Janice Eileen Giannatonio and her husband Peter. Donald/Poppy has four grandchildren: Nicolette, Eric, Natalie, and Bryan, who he adored and loved with his whole heart. He is predeceased by his mother: Elizabeth and father, Mario, his older brother Robert and beloved sister, Joan. Donald’s loving and beautiful wife of 30 years, Eileen, is waiting for him in heaven as well.

Wh**ey was a star football player for Memorial HS in the 1950’s and is most remembered for scoring three touchdowns in one game. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Armed Forces and proudly served his country.

After marrying his HS sweetheart, Eileen, they bought a home in Fort Lee and raised their two daughters. He gave his family the most beautiful life. Backyard fun in their pool, trips to Wildwood Crest and Hershey, PA and countless others. Every Sunday, the family would watch football, and Eileen would prepare her famous Italian “gravy.” Both he and Eileen taught their girls to love animals, and they shared their home with many beloved dogs and cats. On weekends, he and Elieen enjoyed “Saturday with Sinatra” and Donald would sing every song. (He had a wonderful voice!)

Eileen was called to heaven after only 30 years of marriage, although heartbroken, Donald found renewed love through his four grandchildren: Nicolette and Natalie and Eric and Bryan. He was the proudest Poppy and such a big part of their lives.

Poppy was there for all the dance recitals, track meets, musical performances, football games and wrestling matches. He didn’t miss one and was the biggest fan. He took them swimming, ice skating, horseback riding, and on countless vacations to Wildwood Crest. (Where he had them sample every slice of pizza and taste each ice cream flavor on the boardwalk.)

The memories and life lessons he gave his family will never be forgotten. Donald taught us all to have faith, to be strong, confident and to work hard. He led by example, helping others, not afraid to laugh out loud and always being thankful. The endless love he has shown for his family and many friends will carry on for generations.

A memorial mass will be held at the Historic Madonna Chapel in Fort Lee on Wednesday, February 4 at 10:00am

A “Celebration of Life” entombment will follow immediately after at Madonna Mausoleum.

In lieu of any flowers, please make donations to Guide Dogs for the Blind or K9s for Warriors.

View Donald J Tarallo's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/29/2026

Victoria Cooke

Victoria ( Vick) M. Cooke, 75, entered into eternal life on January 26th, 2026 at Englewood Health, Englewood, NJ. Most recently of Branchburg, NJ, Vicki was a long time resident of Leonia, NJ.

Vicki is survived by her beloved son, Michael Cooke of Seffner , FL , her cherished grandchildren James Cooke, Kylie Cooke, Jeremy Montalvo, and their mother Maria Montalvo, her dear siblings, sister Catherine McMenimen of Houston, TX and brother Leo Mcmenimen Jr. and his wife Anne Mary, of South River, NJ. Vicki was loved by her nieces and nephews, Leanne Fortier and her husband Jesse, Paul McMenimen, Katherine Nicol, Leo Mcmenimen III and his wife Sandra, Helen Ross and her husband Dylan, and Anne Mary Morin and her husband James. She is also survived by several grand-nieces and nephews, who always put a smile on her face, and her may treasured friends from daily mass at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church and throughout the community in Leonia and Fort Lee.

Vicki was predeceased by her beloved grandson Joey Cooke, her father, Leo J. McMenimen Sr., her mother, Helen McMenimen, her brothers, Paul McMenimen and Donald McMenimen, and her niece , Bethany McMenimen.

Vicky earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Nursing Degree from William Paterson University. Vicki found great joy in teaching at several schools in the Archdiocese of Newark. Even after her retirement, she continued to pray for all of her former students to find success and happiness in their lives.

Vicki enjoyed talking on the phone with her family, especially her standing calls with her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching reruns of "classic" TV comedies like The Honeymooners, I Love Lucy, and her hobbies over the years included reading, ceramics, and needlepoint. She found strength and solace in her Catholic faith and for decades was a daily communicant at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Leonia.

The family will welcome friends on Monday, February 2, from 2-5pm at the Frank Patti Funeral Home at 327 Main Street, Fort Lee NJ 07024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, February 3 at 11:00am at St. John the Evangelist RC Church, Leonia. Interment will follow the funeral mass at East Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clifton, NJ. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Vicki's memory to the charity of your choice.

View Victoria Cooke's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/29/2026

Mary A Dadoyan

Mary “Maro” Dadoyan was born on December 29, 1944 in Aleppo, Syria to Apkar and Elmasd Apkarian, the youngest of six children.

Mary worked at a doctor’s clinic in Aleppo where she met her future husband Hratch who worked in an office above the clinic. They emigrated to Toronto in 1967. In 1969, their daughter Hourig Grace was born. In September 1969, they left Canada and moved to New Jersey.

Hratch & Mary started their own drapery business in 1972 which remained in operation until Hratch retired in 2017. In 1973, their son Alex was born. In addition to the family business, Mary worked for Girard Interiors for many years creating elaborate window treatments that were printed in local magazines.

Mary enjoyed gardening and always had flowers in bloom around the house for every season. She enjoyed watching classic films and reading murder mysteries. She was an early adopter of technology for her age, texting and messaging people around the world with her iphone to stay in touch. She used her ipad to challenge friends to a game of Words with Friends and played brain games like MindPal. When she could no longer read, she listened to mystery audio books.

Mary had an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. She kept everyone’s birthdays and anniversaries on her calendar and made a point of staying in touch. She valued the family connections both on her side and her husband’s side.

In 2023, Mary successfully went through treatment for lymphoma but subsequently developed COPD. She passed away peacefully at home. She is pre-deceased by her husband, her parents, and 4 of her older brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughter Hourig Grace & son-in-law David, her son Alex and daughter-in-law Amy, sister Takouhee, beloved caretaker Joy, and an extended family of Apkarian and Dadoyan nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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01/27/2026

Philip R. Pantano Jr.

Philip Ross Pantano, Jr. Born to Philip R. Pantano, Sr. and Angelina DeStefano Pantano. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. Philip was born in Englewood, New Jersey September 20th, 1941 and died at the age of 84. He attended Cliffside Park High School and later enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While in the service he was an MP (Military Police) and honorably discharged.

Philip went on to marry Phyllis Cucco and together they raised two sons, Scott and Ross. They lived in many places in New Jersey such as, Palisades Park, Brick,and Lakewood. They finally settled on their forever home in Manahawkin, New Jersey. Phil wore many hats – construction, automotive repair, auto recycling and many other careers. He could fix almost anything, and whatever he couldn’t, he would build from scratch. Most of all he enjoyed boating and could often be found in a bilge, in his boat or others. He also enjoyed building and racing cars from any parts he could find. Phil enjoyed being around his family (especially his grandkids), his friends and of course his rescue cat Betty, (who loved a good nap just as much as he did). He is survived by his loving wife Phyllis Pantano, his sons, Scott and his wife Loretta, Ross and his wife Meredith, Ross’ former wife and mother of his children, Beth Pantano, his grandchildren, Stephanie, Nicole, (Scott and Loretta) Gianna and Thomas(Ross and Beth), and Meghan Trovato, (Meredith) his sister in-law and brother-in-law Fran and James Craig and all his nieces and nephews. There wasn’t a time where he was needed and wasn’t there for his family. Phil was funny in his own way and left us many memories and fun stories. Whether boating in a hurricane or crabbing in uncharted waters there was never a dull moment. The story wasn’t complete if the coast guard or fire department weren’t called! He was a wonderful man with a heart of gold and we will miss him terribly.

The family will receive their friends on Sunday February 1st from 2-6pm at the funeral home. Phil's funeral will leave on Monday at 10:30 am for the celebration of his funeral mass in St. John's RC Church (Leonia) at 11am. Following mass we will be going to Brigadier General William C Doyle Veteran's Cemetery in Wrightstown for burial. For more information call (201) 944-0100.

View Philip R. Pantano Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/27/2026

Linda F. Costa

Linda F. (nee Bianco) Costa, a warm and caring soul, left this world on January 24, 2026, at the age of 64. Born on March 13, 1961, in Newark, she grew up in Verona, where she would later graduate from Verona High School in the Class of 1979. Linda’s life was marked by a genuine love for her family and friends, a warmth that illuminated every room she entered.

Her career began in the legal department of the Employers' Association of New Jersey, where her dedication and organizational skills shone through. Later, she transitioned to working as a secretary for her family's business, John D. Bianco Contractors and J A B Builders, until the birth of her beloved son, Angelo Costa Jr., when she embraced the role of a full-time mother with unparalleled devotion.

Linda’s spirit was indelibly tied to her love for family gatherings. She found joy in cooking for her loved ones, always preparing her signature Sunday pasta, which brought everyone together around the table with smiles and laughter. Her ability to share love through food was a testament to her nurturing personality, and her laughter was a balm to those around her.

Linda is survived by her devoted husband, Angelo Costa, and her cherished son, Angelo Costa Jr. She leaves behind her beloved mother, Marie (nee Abondolo) Bianco, and her siblings: John Bianco, Florence DeLuisi, and Daniel Bianco, along with her brother-in-law, Jerry DeLuisi and sister-in-law, Laura Bianco. The family is also enriched by her stepdaughter, Alexis Gossard, and her husband, Sander Gossard, as well as step-grandchildren Nolan and Hunter Gossard. Linda will also be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews: Gerald DeLuisi and his wife Frani, Marissa DeNoia and her husband Edmund, Anthony Bianco, Gina Bianco, alongside her great nieces and nephews: Gerald, Danica, Bianca, Rocco, Dominic, and Brielle.

Linda was predeceased by her father, John Bianco, whose love and guidance undoubtedly shaped her into the extraordinary woman she became.

As her family reflects on her life, they are comforted by the memories of her bright spirit, the sound of her laughter, and the warmth of her love. Linda’s presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, family, and joy will endure in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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01/26/2026

Elma DiPerna

Elma DiPerna, born on August 28, 1932, peacefully departed this world on January 25, 2026. Throughout her remarkable life, Elma made an indelible mark on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. She possessed a zest for life and a warmth that welcomed everyone around her.

Elma’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and unwavering perseverance. Her nurturing spirit was a light for her family and friends, guiding them through life’s challenges. She had an uncanny ability to listen without judgment and offer words of encouragement that helped many find their footing during difficult times.

Beloved wife of the late Vito Diperna. Devoted mother of Pasquale and his wife Denise, Emil and his wife Patricia and Anthony DiPerna. Adored Nonna of Gina, Kristin, Cara and Anthony. Adored great Nonna of 6. Dear sister of Flora DeLuca, and Ivana Gaccione. She was pre-deceased by siblings Malina, Arturo, Lidia, and Angelina.

In accordance with her wishes, family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Elma’s life. Visitation will be held on January 28, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Frank Patti & Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home, located at 327 Main St, Fort Lee, NJ. This will be followed by a Mass at Madonna R.C. Church, starting at 11:00 AM, also on January 28, 2026, at 340 Main Street, Fort Lee, NJ. Elma will then be laid to rest during an interment service at Holy Cross Cemetery, located at 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington, NJ, at 12:00 PM that same day.

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01/25/2026

Elma DiPerna

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01/22/2026

Nelida Fazio

Nelida (Nellie) Rosa Fazio passed away on January 21, 2026, surrounded by her family and the many memories of a life well lived. She was born on September 5, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, to Angelo and Mercedes (nee Montanez) Carniglia. The daughter of two immigrants, she was a first-generation American and carried her Brooklyn sensibility with her throughout her life. Nelida was also deeply proud of her Argentine and Puerto Rican heritage. A lifelong Dodgers fan, her favorite player was Gil Hodges. Even after the team left Brooklyn, she remained devoted to them, even though she was deeply saddened by their departure from her hometown.

Beginning in the 1960s, Nelida worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. She spent almost 20 years there in two separate periods: first in the 1960s, and later from the mid-1980s through the early 1990s. It was there that she met Joseph (Joe) C. Fazio. The co-workers soon fell in love, married in November 1968, and moved to an apartment in North Bergen, New Jersey. On New Year’s Day 1971, their first daughter, Angela, came into the family, followed one year later by their daughter Debra. The Fazios soon moved into their own home in Leonia, NJ, where their life was defined by family, shared interests, and everyday moments. Their life together was steady, familiar, and deeply rooted in the things that mattered most to them. Nelida and Joe shared 46 years together until Joe’s passing in September 2014.

Nelida was a devoted parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Leonia for over five decades and valued the sense of faith and community that the church provided.

Sewing, a skill and love inherited from her mother, was a lifelong passion for Nelida. She made her daughters’ communion dresses, Easter outfits, and summer clothes, as well as countless Halloween costumes. Each outfit was created with care, creativity, and an eye for detail. Her sewing was both practical and expressive, a way she showed love through what she made by hand.

In the 1980s, she discovered cross-stitch and soon became deeply devoted to the craft. She created intricate portraits so detailed they looked like paintings and was known for making beautiful cross-stitch Christmas ornaments, which she gave as gifts.

She loved spending time outdoors. The beach was one of her favorite places. It was where she could sit surfside from sunrise to sunset, often returning home from the Jersey Shore with a golden tan to prove it. Gardening brought Nelida the same quiet satisfaction, and she took pride in tending her plants and watching them grow.

Nelida also had a passion for the arts and entertainment. She loved movies, especially classic Hollywood films, and spent many evenings watching Turner Classic Movies while talking to her family about stars like Cary Grant and Fred Astaire, and enjoyed hearing the stories and backstories of Hollywood’s golden age. She enjoyed British comedies and mysteries and was a loyal viewer of Match Game and The Price Is Right, but only the Drew Carey years. She also loved music: her favorite singer was Johnny Mathis. In high school, Nelida showed her own musical chops by playing the alto sax.

Known for her wit and sociability, it was often said that Nelida could talk to a tree—and she probably did on more than one occasion. She loved making people laugh and placed great value on friendship and loyalty.

One of the great joys of her life was being Nana to her grandchildren, Jack and Juliet. She was immensely proud of them and delighted in watching them grow, following their interests and accomplishments with genuine enthusiasm. Her love for them was constant and her pride in them was something she often spoke of. She also shared a long-running family joke with her “favorite son-in-law,” Tyler—who was, in fact, her only son-in-law.

Nelida loved the color pink, playing Scrabble, a good cup of coffee, cookies, anything lemon-flavored, seafood, and a hot dog from Hiram’s. These small pleasures, along with her stories, routines, and humor, defined a life lived fully and very much on her own terms.

Nelida will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

View Nelida Fazio's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/21/2026

Romeo E. Contreras

Romeo E. Contreras (91), a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ, after enduring a long battle with coronary and respiratory issues. Born on May 24, 1934, in Calapan, Mindoro, Philippines, Romeo's journey through life was marked by both personal and professional accomplishments that touched the lives of many.

He worked in finance and as a mortgage broker at European Bank in New York and PNC Bank in New Jersey, where his professionalism and commitment to his clients left a lasting impact. His education, a bachelor's degree from the University of East, laid the foundation for his successful career, enabling him to navigate the complexities of the financial world with confidence and integrity.

Romeo was a loving husband to Maria Fe (Leachon) Contreras and a proud father to his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his cherished children: Marissa Viray, who was married to Ricardo (deceased), and their daughter Sherisse Viray, along with her wife Waneta Viray and great-grandchild Leo Viray; Jourdan Contreras and Beth, who are parents to grandchildren Justin and Rachel Contreras; Ajie and Danny Stabile, proud parents to twin children, Alexa (fiancé Isaac Schuman) and Joe Stabile; and Sue and Joe Dawidowicz, along with their son Ethan Dawidowicz. Additionally, Romeo is survived by his son Roy Contreras, who continues his legacy.

Other beloved living siblings are his brothers Dante, Joel, Tristan, and Jose Contreras and their many nieces and nephews.

Romeo was predeceased by his parents, Antonio and Isabel Contreras, as well as his brother Rusty Contreras and sister Anita (Contreras) Nebrejo. His family's love and stories will carry on, honoring the values and principles he instilled in each of them.

After his retirement, they moved from Fort Lee, NJ to Barnegat, NJ where they spent their golden years living a quiet, slow paced and relaxing life.

Visitation services for Romeo will be held on January 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Frank Patti & Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home located at 327 Main St, Fort Lee, NJ. Following the visitation, a funeral Mass will be conducted at St. John R. C. Church at 12:00 PM, located 470 Broad Avenue in Leonia, NJ, concluding with interment at Madonna Mausoleum at 2070 Hoefleys Lane, Fort Lee, NJ at 1:00 PM.

As we reflect upon the life of Romeo E. Contreras, we remember a man who was dedicated not only to his profession but, more importantly, to his family. His memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who had the honor of knowing him.

View Romeo E. Contreras's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/19/2026

Grace Starr

Arrangements Pending

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01/18/2026

Julianito A. Moraleda

Julianito “Nitz” A. Moraleda, 80, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by curiosity, resilience, and an infectious love for people and music. He is survived by his children, Mark and Lisa; their spouses, Sihaya and Tim; and his beloved grandson, Thomas Julian, who carries both his name and spirit forward. He is also remembered by his former wife, Edna; his siblings, Juvenal (“Ben”) and Fides; and a large extended family of sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews who will continue to cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro Moraleda and Leonor Abrantes, and by his older siblings, Desiderio, Joselito, Honesto, and Imelda.

Born in Camalig, Albay, in the Philippines, Nitz grew up grounded in family and ambition. He pursued higher education at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, reflecting both his discipline and intellectual curiosity. In the 1970s, he emigrated to the United States in search of opportunity and possibility, eventually making New York City his home. There, he built a life through hard work and perseverance, dedicating many years of service to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection before retiring in 2006.

Beyond his professional life, Nitz was defined by the joy he brought into every room. His passion for life was unmistakable—he was often the heart of gatherings, quick to laugh, sing, and connect with others. He loved music and had a natural inclination for song, enjoyed traveling and meeting new people, and found endless pleasure in sports, especially tennis, whether playing on the court or cheering from the sidelines. He lived with energy and openness, leaving behind not only memories, but a spirit that will continue to resonate through the lives he touched.

A viewing will take place on Friday, January 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Frank A. Patti Funeral Home, 327 Main Street, Fort Lee, New Jersey.

View Julianito A. Moraleda's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/16/2026

Virginia K. Wittmann

A celebration of life will follow in the upcoming weeks ahead.

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327 Main Street
Fort Lee, NJ
07024

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+12019440100

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http://frankpatti.com/

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Welcome to Frank Patti

Frank Patti has served countless families in their time of need. The attention to detail is evident in our spacious facility with lush landscape, comfortable visiting rooms and private family suites. Our funeral home was voted the first New Jersey recipient of the National Funeral Directors Association “Best of the Best” award and selected as one of nine “Best of the Best” funeral homes in the nation at the 2006 NFDA convention.

We are a multicultural funeral home with 40 years of experience serving all faiths and religions. Call us today.

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