Matthew Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

08/29/2025

Learn more about the options available in our blog: https://matthewfuneralhome.com/blogs/blog-entries/1/News-Events/261/What-to-do-With-Your-Loved-One-s-Ashes.html -start

08/26/2025

https://matthewfuneralhome.com/blogs/blog-entries/1/News-Events/263/Interfaith-Services-at-a-Wake.html -start

New York is a melting pot of different cultures, backgrounds, and religions. For various reasons, some families opt to go with an interfaith ceremony during ...

08/26/2025

Frederick (Rick) George Hasselman, 75, of North East, MD, passed away on August 20, 2025. He was the beloved husband of the late Naomi Hasselman for 48 years; loving father of Angel Rose and her husband Anthony Pacheco, Erika Faith and her husband Joseph Latorre, and Alexis Grace and her husband Armando Rivera; beloved Pop Pop of Elias Constantine, Juliana Grace and Noah Rick; dear brother of the late Marilyn Barletto and Linda Gates. He was also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Rick was born and raised in Staten Island, NY, and served as a Senior Transmission Operator for Con Edison for 34 years. Rick and Naomi moved to Long Branch, NJ, in 1984 where they raised their three girls. He was very close to his family and raised his children in the ways of the Lord while serving as an usher at church. In 2014, they moved to Maryland where he lived out the rest of his life. Rick was always a gentle, patient, kind, and quiet man - slow to speak and quick to listen. He enjoyed spending time with his
grandchildren who brought great joy and excitement to him. Rick was a true example of the scripture Romans 12:12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Even in the midst of physical affliction, he would say that God was his strength and would praise the Lord. His joy spread to all those around him.

Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY on Friday, 29 August departing at 10:30am with viewing prior from 9 - 10am. Family and friends may visit on Thursday, 28 August from 3 - 7pm.

08/22/2025

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08/21/2025

Eugene A. Carlson, age 87, passed away on August 20, 2025. Born in Staten Island on July 26, 1938 to the late Frederick and Helen (Dunn) Carlson, Gene graduated from Port Richmond High School.
After serving in the Army for 4 years, he worked as a mailman and as a Correction Officer. He then joined the New York City Fire Department, where he served for 31 years, retiring with the rank of Captain.

Gene married Marie Vigliotti on October 13, 1963, who predeceased him on November 9, 2017. He is survived by his loving brother, Robert, sister-in-law, Patricia, nieces Debra Crowley, Laurie Scuderi, Karen Lizzo, and Kristie Carlson, and nephew, Clifford Young. He is predeceased by his twin sister, Lois Young, and brother-in-law, William Young.

There will be no visitation, per Gene’s wishes. Mass of Christian burial at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1091 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, on Monday, August 25, at 11:00 AM, with interment to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

If you wish, a donation may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Gene’s name.

www.matthewfuneralhome.com

08/21/2025

Francis (Frank) Maslankowski, 71, of Bulls Head, passed away on August 17, 2025. Born and raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Frank graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and went on to build a long career with AT&T. He began as a technician and retired as a Product Manager. After marrying his beloved wife, Frank moved to Staten Island, where together they raised their family and built a home filled with love and laughter. Frank was a lifelong sports enthusiast. In his youth, he played a variety of sports and carried that love forward as a devoted Yankees and Giants fan. He especially enjoyed coaching his children’s teams in their youth. Golf became a favorite pastime, and he looked forward to annual trips to Myrtle Beach, SC.

Family was at the center of Frank’s life. He cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren. He had a love for reading the newspaper cover to cover and could always be found working on his daily crossword, word jumble, or Sudoku puzzle. Frank will be remembered for his strong will, his caring nature, and his deep devotion to those he loved.

Frank was predeceased by his wife, Marie, in 2021, and his sister, Joanne Schmidt, in 2017. He is survived by his children, Joseph Maslankowski and his wife, Susan; Christine Figueroa and her husband, Jerry; and Michael Maslankowski and his fiancée, Veronica. He was a proud grandfather to Jerry and Michael Figueroa and Vincent and Joseph Maslankowski. He is also survived by his sister, Deborah Chiodo and her husband, Salvatore; nieces, Christine Lewandowski and her husband, Joshua; and Renee Rizzo and her husband, Kevin; and was also the loving great-uncle to Alice, Maggie, and Oliver.

Funeral services will be held from Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Friday, August 22, departing at 10:00am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Pity R.C. Church at 10:30am, followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island, NY. Family and friends may visit on Thursday, August 21, from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 7:00 to 9:00pm.

To Order Flowers, Please Visit:
www.matthewfloristandmonuments.com/fast-order/

www.matthewfuneralhome.com

08/20/2025

Margret Nietschke, 87, of Heartland Village, passed away on August 16, 2025. She was the beloved and devoted wife of Helmut Nietschke for 63 years who preceded her in death by just a month. Margret is also predeceased by her parents, Gustav and Ilse Schlief, as well as her brothers and their wives: Herbert and Marianna Schlief and Rudi and Gudren Schlief.

Margret was the loving mother of Eric Nietschke and his wife, Lisa, and Annette Roszak and her husband, Gerard. She was the cherished Oma to Nick Roszak, Samantha Nietschke, Chelsea Kane and her husband, Joseph, Victoria Moore and her husband, Josh, and Christian Nietschke. Oma was blessed to share her life with eight great grandchildren, Emma, Colton, Lillianna, Everleigh, Cayman, Stella, Callum, and Nora. Margret will be remembered as a dear sister-in-law, aunt, and cousin to her beloved family in Germany.

Margret was born in Dortmund, Germany and lived her life filled with joy and devotion to her family and friends. At the age of 14, she moved to the Bronx in New York with her family. After graduating high school, Margret worked in Manhattan as an administrative assistant at the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. On a “girls’ trip” to Canada, Margret met her beloved Helmut. It was love at first sight, and Helmut soon moved to New York to be close to Margret. They later married, built a life together, and eventually settled in Staten Island where they lived in their “dream home” for over 50 years. Margret relished the simple pleasures of life. She loved taking care of her home, family, and plants, traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time by her pool in the sunshine. In her later years, Margret worked at the Gap in the Staten Island Mall, where coworkers and customers lovingly referred to her as “Mother Gap”.

Oma, as her family called her, was the kind of woman you couldn’t help but admire. She had such a gentle spirit, the kind that radiated warmth and love to everyone she met. She always found the good in people and in every situation. Her positivity wasn’t forced…it was who she was. Oma made people feel seen, cared for, and valued in ways that only someone with a truly selfless heart could. In Margret’s own words, “And that’s the story of my life.”

Family and Friends may visit the Matthew Funeral Home 2508 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY on Saturday 8/23 from 2-7PM. A service will be held at the funeral home at 5pm.

To order flowers please visit: https://matthewfloristandmonuments.com/fast-order/

08/16/2025

Lucy Imbasciani, 81, passed away on August 13, 2025. She was born on December 25, 1943, in Brooklyn, NY, where she was also raised.
Lucy dedicated her career to serving the city, working many years as a city tax collector. Known for her sharp wit and infectious sense of humor, she had a gift for making people laugh and finding joy in the little moments. Her humor, warmth, and quick one-liners will be remembered by all who knew her.

Lucy was never married or had children, but she treated all her nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews as if she was their mother. She was down to earth and always lent an ear or advice when you had to talk. She always made something that was bad not so bad. She was the shoulder to cry on, laugh on or just lean on. We were all lucky to have an aunt like her. Lucy’s true past time was going to bingo or Atlantic City.

Lucy was preceded in death by her siblings Stephen Imbasciani and wife Angela Imbasciani, Antoinette Nardi (Imbasciani) and brother-in-law John Nardi, John Imbasciani and her sister-in-law Lucille Imbasciani (Michael’s wife). She is survived by her loving brothers Joseph Imbasciani and wife Florence, Frank Imbasciani and wife Diane, Michael Imbasciani and sister-in-law Annamarie wife of her late brother John as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share a laugh in Lucy’s honor—because she would have wanted it that way and also have a puff puff of a cig cig for her. Cille as well as her siblings would always say to us , “Never good-bye - See you later”. We love you with all our hearts. Sleep easy our angel.

Family and friends may visit the Matthew Funeral Home on Sunday 8/17 from 2-4 and 7-9. A Mass will be held on Monday, 8/18, at St. Rita’s R.C. Church at 10 am. Interment to follow at St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY.

To Order Flowers, Please Visit:
www.matthewfloristandmonuments.com/fast-order/

www.matthewfuneralhome.com

08/14/2025

Joseph George Dcruz was born on April 6, 1929, to the late Mr. Louis George Dcruz and Mrs. Carmely Dcruz in Keralapuram, Kollam, Kerala. He was the second born of six siblings.
Affectionately known to all as Pappa, Joseph was a loving husband to his late wife, Mariamma Joseph of Punalur, Kerala, with whom he shared 64 years. He built and ran his own successful logistics and freight business that served clients across India, a testament to his hard work, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit.

In April of 1987, Pappa immigrated to the United States and settled in Staten Island, New York. He was deeply involved in the Malayali community, serving as an Executive Member of the Kerala Catholic Association of Staten Island, and was known for his steadfast devotion to the Roman Catholic faith.

Pappa was a proud and caring father to his six children: Nelson Joseph, Laly Jackson, Biju Joseph, Sheeja Abraham, Dr. Riggi Wilsant, and the late Mary Mathew; devoted father-in-law of Usha, Dominic, Jacob, Sony, Abraham and Wilsant; a beloved grandfather to fourteen grandchildren: Sheenu, Tom, Jijo, Jibi, Joel, Roshan, Ria, Brice, Shawn, Asher, Chinnu, Noel, Nicole and Naveen, and a cherished great-grandfather to two great-grandchildren: Yohan and Dominic. He treasured his family deeply and embraced every opportunity to share in their lives. Pappa’s warm smile and valiant spirit made everyone feel at home in his presence.

Our family is deeply grateful for the love and support of so many who have stood with us during this time. Pappa returns home with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, reunited with his beloved wife, daughter and those who have gone before him. May his faith, kindness, and love continue to guide and inspire us all.
May his soul rest in peace

Visitation at the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Friday, 8/15, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rita R.C. Church on Saturday, 8/16, at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in Moravian Cemetery.

To Order Flowers Please Visit:
www.matthewfloristandmonuments.com/fast-order/

www.matthewfuneralhome.com

08/13/2025

Betty Thurman, born Elizabeth J. Seminara in Brooklyn, New York, departed this world on August 10, 2025. For eighty-one years she enriched the lives of everyone she knew with her caring heart, empathy, and sense of humor.

She was the daughter of Michael and Bella Seminara, beloved wife of James Thurman, treasured mother of Jeanine and Yvonne, cherished grandmother of Megan, Lindsay and Alexandra, and adored mom-in-law of Richard and Onat. She was a dear sister of Letty and husband Vinnie, caring aunt of Audra and Vincent, and life-long friend of so many special people. Betty and Jim raised their family in Brooklyn and then in Staten Island. With the softest of hearts, she was the Rock of her family.

Betty and Jim loved to dance, traveled with the best of friends and saw parts of the world she never imagined she would. A razor-sharp bookkeeper, no one could calculate on the back of an envelope like Betty. She will always be revered for her gift of working out figures and most of all – for her cooking and baking. Holidays were always special. She made everything with love and shared it generously. The best birthday cakes, strufoli, coconut-cream pies, and seven-layers came from Betty’s kitchen.

Most of all, she just loved being with her family and she always let them know that, every day.

To celebrate this beautiful life, family and friends may visit Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Thursday, 8/14, from 4:00-8:00pm. Funeral service at Matthew Funeral Home, on Friday, 8/15, at 10:00am. Burial to be followed at Resurrection Cemetery, 361 Sharrott Ave.

To Order Flowers, Please Visit:
www.matthewfloristandmonuments.com/fastorder.com

www.matthewfuneralhome.com

08/13/2025

Maureen “Moe” Kelly Griffin, 77, of Voorhees, NJ, formerly of Staten Island, NY, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, surrounded by family.

Born on Staten Island, NY to Margaret and Walter Kelly, Moe graduated from Port Richmond High School. She built a long and respected career, spending many years at Bankers Trust,
where she served as Assistant Vice President and was known for her mentorship, loyalty, and ability to bring out the best in others. She inspired lifelong friendships with colleagues who became family and later continued her work at Jones Lang LaSalle, always leading with her signature mix of humor, heart, and high standards.
In 2023, Moe was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. She faced the challenge with remarkable strength, courage, and grace—never losing her sense of humor or her care for others, even during treatment.

Moe was gracious with her time and endlessly thoughtful. She spent her weekends on the phone catching up with loved ones, dropped everything to help a friend, and made sure every
celebration had something for everyone. She attended church weekly, offering rides to anyone who needed them. She adored her granddaughters, Zoe and Avery, spoiling them at every
opportunity.

A devoted Yankees fan, Moe never missed a game—no matter where she was. She loved Christmas and baked a birthday cake for Jesus every year, a tradition that reflected her joy in
celebrating others.

She is survived by her daughter, Caitlin Griffin-Mackey, and son-in-law, Roy Mackey; her beloved granddaughters, Zoe and Avery; her sister, Nancy, and brother-in-laws, Mike, Jack, Joe, and Kenny; her mother- and father-in-law Nicolene and John; her nieces and nephews Mikey, Adriana, Brent; and a circle of dear friends including Pat, Danielle, Erica, Elaine, Diane, Tanya, Henry. As well as countless more family and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday August 16, 2025 at 10:30am at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church in Travis, Staten Island, NY, followed by a celebration of life at Nansen Lodge from
12pm-4pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Moe’s honor to the Joyful Heart Foundation.

(https://give.joyfulheartfoundation.org/give/174453/ #!/donation/checkout) or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) (https://give.bcrf.org/campaign/584695/donate).

Moe will be remembered for her generosity, her unwavering love for her family and friends, and the way she made everyone feel valued. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched.

www.matthewfuneralhome.com

08/12/2025

Catherine P. Chopak of Staten Island NY passed away on August 8, 2025 (age 78), pre-deceased by husband Irwin Chopak in 2014. Cathy is survived by sons David Dalton (wife Barbara), Kevin Dalton (wife Melissa), Robert Chopak (wife Laurie), and Craig Chopak. Cathy’s family also included brother Allen Lord and nephews George and Steven Barreto, along with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A wake will be held in Matthew’s funeral home on Monday 8/18 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral mass will be at St. Clare’s church on Tuesday 8/19 at 9:45 AM, followed by burial at Calverton national cemetery in Long Island.