Bronx Town Crier

02/28/2026

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It is with profound sadness that I inform you of the passing of Anthony Artuso Sr., owner of Artuso Pastry Shop and native son of Belmont.

I have known Anthony for ages, and like Artuso Pastry Shop itself, he was and is, iconic in our community. He was deeply devoted to his family, his business, and this neighborhood. When needed, he stepped up to serve on the Board of Directors of the Belmont Improvement District, where he was a steady, no-nonsense voice of reason. He offered thoughtful insight, genuine care, and a dry and truly funny sense of humor. His perspective was always spot on and his support was unwavering.

We have survived and flourished across generations because of Anthony and people like him; individuals who invest not only in their business, but in the fabric of the community itself. His loss is a deeply personal loss for me, and one that our entire community should mourn at the same time we celebrate a life fully and generously lived.

Please keep Anthony’s wife, Joanne, and his children Anthony Jr., Theresa, and Concetta in your thoughts and prayers. They are certainly in mine.

Service details will be shared as they become available for those who wish to pay their respects.

Sincerely,
Peter Madonia
Chairman
Belmont Business Improvement District

02/28/2026

*DATE CHANGE*
DSNY Recycling Event *3/28" from 10am-2pm at Hollywood Avenue and Throgs Neck Expressway.

02/27/2026

Support Villa Maria's 70th Annual Card Party - A Night at the Disco on Thursday, March 19th at the Villa Barone Manor. $90 Per Ticket includes A Full Course Dinner and Open Bar. RSVP and Submit Payment by March 2nd. Any Questions? Contact Nicole Cestra at NicoleCestra@Gmail.com. You Can Pay At the Villa Maria Website. See Flyer for more details. Must make Reservations by 3/2.

02/27/2026

Dear Country Club Stakeholders,

I share with you the following information regarding 3305 Country Club Road. The City of New York Department of Buildings is returning the application to the property owner on the basis that “the proposed new building for 82 dwelling units is not permitted in an R3-1 zoning district.” In short, the current proposal runs contrary to our zoning.

Allow me to thank our Borough President, Vanessa L. Gibson, and her office for supporting our office, and most importantly, our Country Club community, when helping to bring this matter to the immediate attention of the Department of Buildings for much deserved further scrutiny.

As I always have, I will continue to monitor building application filings in our district. We do not yet know what the property owner now intends to do, but on our end, and as always, I will inform you of any news. While this is positive news for our community, we still must be mindful of the future of this property. I can assure you our Community Board remains ready as your first line of defense. You are more than welcome to share this email with neighbors.

In service to our community,
Matt Cruz
Bronx Community Board #10
3165 East Tremont Avenue
Bronx, New York 10461
718-892-1161
www.nyc.gov/bronxcb10
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(as posted by George Hav in Friends of CB #10)

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02/25/2026

DSNY Recycling Event 2/28 from 10am-2pm at Hollywood Avenue and Throgs Neck Expressway.

02/24/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Angelina Margaret Riccio.

The funeral arrangements are as follows: the Wake will be held Wednesday (2/25) from 3-7pm at Schuyler Hill Funeral Home; and the Funeral Mass will be Thursday (2/26) at 10:30am at St. Benedict's Church.

My deepest condolences to the family. May Angelina Rest in Peace.

02/19/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Charles McLaughlin.

(Family written obituary) Charles Joseph McLaughlin was born in Bronxville, NY on July 7, 1930 to his parents, John and Margaret. His brother Jack was also born in the United States before the family moved back to Greencastle in County Donegal, Ireland. The family grew to include brothers James, Joseph, and Patrick and sisters Margaret and Eileen. When Joseph died at a young age after an illness, the family raised a cousin, Mary, following the death of her parents, with the rest of the children.

Charles returned to the US and entered the Army on March 26, 1953, earning a bronze star during the Korean Conflict, before being honorably discharged on March 27, 1956. After leaving the service, he took a job with Western Union, where he remained, becoming a supervisor, until his retirement in 1996.

Charles married Lillie McNulty (McLaughlin) on October 19, 1968, and the couple moved to the Throgs Neck section of The Bronx in 1972. Their only child, John, was born on April 5, 1980. They remained together until Lillie’s passing on September 25, 2012.

Charles was an easy going, gentle man, who enjoyed traveling, loved his family, and highly valued his relationship with Jesus and the Catholic Church.

Charles Joseph McLaughlin is survived by his brothers Jack, Jim, and Pat, his sisters Peggy and Eileen, his son John, his daughter-in-law Blanca, and his grandchildren Darwin, Zully, Axel, and Zaray, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was beloved by all and will be greatly missed.

The funeral arrangements are as follows: the Wake will be held Thursday (2/19) from 3-7pm at Schuyler Hill Funeral Home; and the Funeral Mass will be held on Friday (2/20) at 10am at St. Frances de Chantal.

My deepest condolences to the family. May Charles Rest in Peace. Thank you Sir for your Service to our Country.

02/18/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Phil Baldessarre.

(Family written obituary) Philip Baldessarre passed away on February 14, 2026, at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY. He was 60 years old. Son of Giuseppe and Bruna (DiBello) Baldessarre, he was born on September 3, 1965, in Bronx, NY.

Philip was a Telecommunications Technical Associate for Verizon Communications in Nanuet, NY, and was a proud member of Sacred Heart-St. Patrick’s Church in Highland Mills, NY.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Valentina Baldessarre, of Highland Mills, NY; parents, Giuseppe and Bruna Baldessarre, of Bronx, NY; sons, Joseph, Thomas, and Daniel Baldessarre, all of Highland Mills, NY; siblings, Luigi Baldessarre and his wife, Donna, of Yorktown Heights, NY; and Joann Baldessarre and Michael, of Bronx, NY; and by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush Funeral Home, 117 Maple Ave., Monroe, NY. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Sacred Heart Church, 26 Still Rd., Monroe, NY. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, https://www.michaeljfox.org/

My deepest condolences to the family. May Phil Rest in Peace.

02/18/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Stella Bizekis.

(Family written obituary) Stella was born in the picturesque village of Stenimachos, Greece, on the outskirts of Naoussa. At just 20 years old, she left her home, knowing not a word of English, to seek a new life in the United States. There, she became a seamstress, diligently sending money back to support her family.

In 1962, Stella returned to Greece and met the love of her life, Stergios. They married on September 23, 1962, and together embarked on a brave journey back to the United States, initially settling in Washington Heights.

In 1968, Stella and Stergios moved to the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx, becoming devoted members of Zoodohos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church. Their children—Haeda, Olympia, Helen, and Costa—attended Sunday School regularly, absorbing the values of faith and community. Stella took immense pride in her children’s accomplishments, always encouraging them with her quiet strength and unwavering love.

Though America became her adopted home, Stella never forgot her Greek roots. She stood by Stergios in his lifelong commitment to the Naoussian Society, and their home became a vibrant hub of joy and hospitality. Weekends often overflowed with family and friends from Naoussa, filled with laughter, delicious meals prepared by Stella, and dancing that created lasting memories.

As they thrived in the United States, Stella played a crucial role in bringing numerous family members over, offering them support and a fresh start. Her sisters—Anastasia, Kyriaki, Maria, and Eleni—and her brother Niko held her in the highest regard, a respect that endures to this day. Her nieces and nephews will always remember her as the greatest aunt, ready with kind words and helping hands.

Cherished mother to her four children, Stella was blessed with her devoted daughter-in-law, Antonia, and her sons-in-law, George, Stefanos, and Harry

Stella’s greatest joy came from caring for her grandchildren—Efrosyni, George, Christos, Stellios, Stella, and Panayiota. They knew that Yiayia always had treats, hugs, and stories waiting for them during visits, filling their lives with her boundless affection.

We take solace in knowing that Stella has been reunited with her beloved husband, along with her brother Giorgios and her sisters Kyriaki and Eleni. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy of kindness, devotion to family, and quiet grace will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 4:00PM - 8:00PM at Zoodohos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church; and the Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 10:45AM - 11:45AM at Zoodohos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church.

My very deepest condolences to the family. May Stella Rest in Peace

02/16/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Edmund Donovan.

(Family written obituary) Edmund J. Donovan, 79, passed away on February 11, 2026 surrounded by his family. He lived in and loved the community of Throggs Neck.

Ed taught Physics, Earth Science and Driver's Ed for 40 years at Salesian High School. He served the Throggs Neck Community for greater than 40 years with the Auxiliary Police at the 45th precinct attaining the prestigious rank of Captain. He was lovingly known as "The Colonel" a rank he achieved with the National Guard Auxiliary. He was involved in many more organizations including the Knights of Columbus and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Ed loved Irish music, Doo W*p, tea and toast, and all things military. Ed was preceded in death by his parents John and Bridie, his adopted parents Mary and James Holcroft, his siblings Peggy, Sissy, and Donnie and by his wife Florence. He is survived by his four children: Edmund (Meghan), Matthew (Stephanie), Katie (Rob), and Sean (Casey). He also leaves behind six loving grandchildren: Connor, Emma (Dizzy), Troy, Lily, Reilly, and Paige.

It is with a heavy heart we say goodbye to a Bronx legend. The Colonel is once again dancing with Flo to the "12th of Never" in the great ballroom in the sky.

My very deepest condolences to the family. The funeral arrangements are as follows: the Wake will be Monday (2/16) from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Schuyler Hill Funeral Home; and the Funeral Mass will be Tuesday (2/17) at 10:30 am at St. Benedict's Church. May Ed Rest in Peace.

02/10/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Tom McShane.

(Family written obituary) Thomas Joseph McShane, beloved son of Thomas and Mary (née McNamara), was born on July 29, 1943, in Washington, D.C., while his father was stationed there with the FBI. Tom was the second of seven children. He was predeceased by his parents; his sisters and their husbands, Mary Ann (Vic) and Patricia (Peter) Sturiano; and his younger brother, Jimmy.

Tom later moved to the Bronx, spending his childhood summers in Breezy Point, where his love of beach communities began. He attended St. Helena’s Grammar School in the Bronx, then spent three years at Cathedral High School while studying in the seminary, before graduating from Cardinal Hayes High School and attending Pace College. His wife, Joan, was also a lifelong Bronx resident. They were married in May 1969 and together raised four children on City Island—a place Tom would lovingly refer to as “God’s Country.” A “Clam Digger” at heart, he was immensely proud to be part of that close-knit community and cherished the life they built there together.

Tom was a devout Catholic and active member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church

where he faithfully served as an usher for 25 years.

Anyone who knew Tom knew how deeply he loved his country. He was honored to serve in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969 as a member of the First Air Cavalry Division. He was equally proud of his family, the home he built for them, and his long career with the United States Postal Service. Tom retired as Manager of Distribution Operations at the Morgan Processing and Distribution Center in New York City—one of the largest facilities in the nation.

Tom was the very picture of patriotism and will forever be remembered wearing his Vietnam cap, his bright blue eyes shining above a smile so big it was contagious. He honored the flag and everything it stood for. A longtime member of the Leonard H. Hawkins Post 156 of the American Legion, Tom proudly celebrated American holidays and traditions—often with a Diet Coke in hand, always making sure to sign the book and never missing a chance to join a pool. A lasting reminder of Tom’s devotion stands just outside: a flag repository placed at his request to ensure Old Glory is always retired with the respect it deserves.

Tom will be remembered by his family and many dear friends as a larger-than-life presence whose quick wit, courage, strength, determination, and bravery were matched only by his warmth and infectious smile, which could light up any room. A man of integrity with an unwavering moral compass, he accepted people for who they were, offering kindness, humor, and respect without judgment. He lives on through countless fond stories shared by those who loved him.

He leaves behind those who loved him dearly: his devoted wife of 57 years, Joan; his son, Tommy (Tuesday); his daughters, Mary (Rory), Kate (Joe), and Joanne (John); and his beloved grandchildren, Rory (Kaitlyn), Colin, and Aedan Finn, Vivienne Chera, and Kevin, Tommy, and Jack Hession. He is also survived by his brothers, Vinnie (Judy), John (Audrey), and Joseph (Ginny); along with his cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and his extended Finn, Chera, and Hession families. Tom was deeply grateful for his lifelong friends who became family and enriched his life in immeasurable ways.

After fighting valiantly for over a year, Tom passed away on February 7, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family. He will be missed more than words can express—he was truly one in a million.

My deepest condolences to the family. May Tom Rest in Peace. Thank you for your b Service to our Country.

01/30/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Vicky Klimowich.

The funeral arrangements are as follows: the Wake will be held on Friday (1/30) from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Schuyler Hill Funeral Home; and the Funeral Mass will be held Saturday (1/31) at the First Lutheran Church.

My deepest condolences to the family. May Vicky Rest in Peace.