latest news from Livingston

The Livingston Public Schools Board of Education recognized the district’s Governor’s Educators of the Year award winners at its Tuesday, May 14, meeting. The New Jersey Department of Education presents these awards to honor hardworking teachers and educational service professionals for their dedication. The winners were nominated by students, parents, and faculty members who witnessed their work firsthand.

Principal Lisa Barreto honored Wendy Weiner as the Burnet Hill Governor’s Educator of the Year. Weiner has been educating Bobcats at Burnet Hill for 23 years. She has also spearheaded the elementary school’s pajama project, which collected over 430 pairs of pajamas for those in need this past year. Barreto described her teaching approach as “relatable, caring, and truly makes an impact in students’ lives.”

Memorial Day is approaching, and with it, our chance to remember those who gave their lives for our country, and to thank those who have served it as part of our military. There is no simpler way to do that than to pick up a Buddy Poppy, which the township's veterans have been selling to raise money for their fellow vets. They started distributing them, for donations, outside of ShopRite and Kings earlier this week and will continue to do so through the end of the month.

Sylvia Barrasso, (née Moretti) a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed peacefully at her home on May 12, 2024.

Sylvia was predeceased by her husband, Edward, parents Silvio and Jane Moretti, brother Alfred Moretti, sister-in-law Bobbie, and cousins Alan Moretti and Bill Senior.

Sylvia is survived by her son John, her son Michael and wife Laura, and her daughter Michele Palmere and husband Dan. She is the cherished grandmother of Chris, Dana, Alan, John, Nick, Robert, and Katherine; as her family grew, she welcomed Joanna, Emma, Kristen, Travis, Michelle, and Peter with open arms. Sylvia is the proud great-grandmother of Alice, Aubrey, Robin, and Peter. She will be remembered with love by her cousins Jane Senior and Carolyn Moretti as well as by the many nieces and nephews who affectionately call her “Aunt Babe.”

William D. Byrnes, 77, of South Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania, passed away on Monday, May 6, at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Sarah (“Sally”) M. (DeMartino) Byrnes, with whom he shared nearly 46 years of marriage this coming August. Born in East Orange, he was the son of the late Virginia (Ferguson) and Peter Byrnes. After serving in the US Army, he worked since 1967 as a draftsman for Smith Industries, which later became BAE Systems, New Jersey, retiring in 2010. He attended the United Presbyterian Church, West Orange, NJ. He was a past Exalted Ruler of Livingston Elks Lodge 1855; enjoyed golfing and reading, especially James Patterson and Harlan Coban books.

Survivors: wife Sally; son David; daughter Jennifer, wife of Bill Friedman, all of S. Whitehall Twp.; grandchildren Matthew, Sarah May and Grace.

Services are to be determined at a later date.

Patrick Anthony Antonelli, 76, of Livingston, died on Thursday, May 9, in Morristown. Born in Orange to the late Nunzie and MariaAntonelli, Patrick was a longtime resident of Livingston.

Mr. Antonelli is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy (McCann); his children and their spouses, Brian Antonelli and his wife Kathryn, and Alison Brickman and her husband Evan; his five grandchildren; his sister Mary Kebel, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held on Monday, May 13, at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, in Livingston. Funeral Mass was offered on Tuesday, May 14, at St. Philomena Church in Livingston, followed by entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Carole Summers, 89, of Livingston, died on Friday, May 10.

Mrs. Summers was the wife of 53 years to the late Cantor Norman Summers, and the mother of Sharon Seltzer (Scott), Dara Arden (Wayne), and Dan Summers. She was the grandmother of four. Afuneral service for Mrs. Summers was held on Monday, May 13, at the Lehman Chapel at B’nai Jeshurun Cemetery in Elizabeth. Shiva was observed at Temple B’nai Jeshurun, in Short Hills.

Madelyn Miller, age 85, of Livingston, died on Wednesday, May 8.

The family received guests for Ms. Miller on Friday, May 10, at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, in Livingston, followed by a funeral service. Burial took place at B’nai Jeshurun Cemetery, in Elizabeth.

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Steven Lampert, 78, of Livingston, died on Wednesday, May 8. He was born in Quincy, Massachusetts.

A gathering before service was held on Friday, May 10, at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, in Livingston, followed by a funeral service.

The Livingston Planning Board, during its Tuesday, May 7, conference meeting, amended the chapter 170-87 general zoning requirements of the township land use code regarding a non-residential certificate of occupancy.

After approving minutes, Board chairman Rudy Femandez explained that, per ordinance number 12-2024 of the Township Council, the code originally stated that a “certificate of occupancy shall be applied for to reoccupy any existing building or premises, other than a residential building.” The new text will change “certificate of occupancy” to “new tenant certificate,” though everything else will remain the same.

The Board approved this change, finding it in compliance with the town’s master plan. The Board said that it met key principles like improving quality of life and encouraging municipal actions that will achieve long-range development and preservation of land.

This past week, the Livingston Fire Department responded to anumber of calls, including a May 4 house fire.

On Saturday, May 4, the resident at 46 Tremont Terrace heard a popping sound coming from the home’s sunroom. The homeowner then closed the door, separating the sunroom from the rest of the home, evacuated the residence, and called 9-1-1.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered afire coming from the sunroom. Fland lines were stretched to the rear of the residence to extinguish the fire. Fans were used for ventilation, electric lines were turned off, and overhaul was conducted.

Additionally, Roseland Fire Department sent an engine to the scene to assist.

Fire Chief Chris Mullin commended all firefighters for a quick and efficient response and knockdown, while keeping damage to the residence to a minimum.

Mulch Fire