Obituaries

Richard Frank Zahn, 69, of Waterloo, South Carolina, formerly of Livingston, died at home on August 8. Born September 25, 1944 in Livingston, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Zahn. A graduate of the University of Miami, Mr. Zahn was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned the Bronze Star for heroism. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Zahn was the co-owner/operator of Zahn Real Estate and Insurance in Livingston, a company which spanned two generations. Surviving are his wife, Sandra; a son, Richard Andrew Zahn; and a brother, Joseph Zahn. A memorial service will be held at Restland Memorial Park Chapel in East Hanover on Thursday, September 25, at 1 p.m. To write a condolence, visit www.Leonardis-MemorialHome.com.

John E. Michaels Jr., 83, died on Monday, September 8, at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. His family will receive relatives and friends at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home of Livingston on Thursday, from 3 to 8 p.m. The Funeral Mass celebrating his life will be offered at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover on Friday at 11 a.m. Born in Livingston, Mr. Michaels resided in town until four years ago when he moved to Wharton. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Mr. Michaels saw action in the Korean War. As a veteran, he was Past Commander and current chaplain of the Livingston VFW Post #2856 and Past Commander of District #4. Mr. Michaels also received the NJ Distinguished Service Medal. Mr. Michaels was a member and past president of the Livingston Lions Club, past president of Livingston’s UNICO and Babe Ruth League, for which he was also a coach and umpire for many years. In addition, Mr. Michaels was a long-time secretary and coordinator of the Livingston Hockey Club.

Louis W. Venza, 75, passed away peacefully at his home in Livingston on August 30, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Newark to B. Walter and Pauline Venza, Lou was raised in Maplewood, and was graduated from Columbia High School in1957. He received a degree in Business  Administration from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD in 1961. Lou was employed at Benefi cial Corporation (now HSBC) for 25 years as an insurance executive and most recently consulted for Westmont Associates in Cherry Hill. A resident of Livingston since 1963, he served the community as an active member of the Board of Education, the Jaycees and the Livingston Environmental Commission and established the town’s fi rst recycling program. Lou also helped found the Library Endowment Fund, served on the Livingston Planning Board for 13 years, and was a long-term member of UNICO, which named him Citizen of the Year in 2007.

Fleurette Kling, 86, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and formerly of Livingston, died Saturday, August 30, 2014 at Carolina Village Medical Center. Born in Paterson, she was the daughter of the late Solomon Stock and Esther Avner. She was also preceded in death by her husband, George R. Kling, and sister, Ana Goldkopf. Mrs. Kling graduated from William Paterson University and received her master’s degree in Library Science from Columbia University. She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church and the Association of University Women. Mrs. Kling was an avid reader who also enjoyed music. She is survived by her son, David Kling and wife, Gerri, of Livingston; grandchildren, Jacob and Lindsay Kling; sister, Miriam Greenhouse; and several nieces. To offer condolences on-line, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Mary C. (Santia) De Pola of Livingston died on August 28 at the age of 101. A Funeral Mass was held at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover on Wednesday, September 3. Predeceased by her husband, Joseph; she is survived by two daughters, Rose Marie Sierchio and Viola Canfora; a son, John and his wife, Ann; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. To write a condolence note, visit LeonardisMemorialHome.com.

Aaron Chernus died in his Livingston home on August 31. Funeral services were held on September 3 at the Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel in Livingston. Born in Newark, Mr. Chernus lived in Livingston for 50 years. After 15 years in the family business, Chain Curtain Stores, he became a real estate developer in New Jersey. A veteran of the Marines, Mr. Chernus participated for more than 20 years in both the New Jersey and National Senior Games, frequently earning medals. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Janet; a son, Jack and his wife, Jennifer; a daughter, Andrea; and three grandchildren.

Ann Helen (Travisano) Simonetti, 86, died in her Livingston home on August 28. A funeral Mass was offered at St. Philomena's Church, Livingston on September 3. Born in Newark, she attended West Side High School, where she was a member of the Chi Epsilon sorority. After high school, she was graduated from a secretarial course in 1946 and served as a secretary for the Prudential Company in Newark for 15 years. Mrs. Simonetti was a member of Prudential's Patrician Guild, an organization for Catholic women. She also worked as a volunteer at St. Michael's Hospital in Newark. Mrs. Simonetti is survived by her husband of 55 years, Vincent; two daughters, Marianne Simonetti and her husband, Joseph; and Lucille Perrone and her husband, Anthony; a son, Domenic and his wife, Rosemary; and four grandchildren. The family has suggested that memorial donations be made to a charity of choice.