Obituaries

Alice Brauner of West Orange, formerly of Livingston, died on November 13. Born in Brooklyn, she had lived in Hillside, Verona, and Boynton Beach, Florida. Mrs. Brauner was predeceased by her husband, Joseph. She is survived by her children, Renae Brauner-Douglen and Wayne Brauner, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The funeral was held at Bernheim Apter Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel in Livingston on Tuesday.

Herbert Richard Andlauer, 91, peacefully passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2017 while residing at Merry Heart Assisted Living facility in Succasunna, New Jersey. Born, January 30, 1926 in Newark, New Jersey to Frederick Charles and Anna Marie (Lowenberg) Andlauer, he was the third of four children; his brothers, Frederick and Edgar, and sister Lois Albertine predeceased him. Raised in Newark, he graduated from Central High School. He then entered the Navy serving 1944 through 1946 operating in the Pacific, receiving the American Theatre Medal, Victory Medal and Asiatic Pacific Medal. Once discharged, he continued his education at Montclair State Teachers College obtaining his Bachelor’s and his Master’s degrees from that institution. He went on to receive his Doctorate in Education from Rutgers University. Herb’s accomplished educational career began in the Norwood, New Jersey school district as a grade school teacher.

Lester Carl Abrevaya, age 69, of Florham Park, peacefully passed away on November 9, 2017 after a yearlong battle with Glioblastoma. Born and raised in the Bronx, he moved to Florham Park where he resided for 26 years. He was a graduate of De Witt Clinton High School in the Bronx, received his Bachelor's degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and his DDS from Howard University School of Dentistry in Washington, D.C. Dr. Abrevaya was in private practice in Caldwell, New Jersey for over 20 years and was a member of the Newark Dental Club. He was a long-standing member of Congregation Beth Torah. He is survived by his wife Lynn, his daughter Jessica, sister Gail and brother Gregg, and many loving nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews. Services were held on November 12 with arrangements by Bernheim Apter Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel in Livingston.

Livingston Resident Since 1979

Frank Bottone died on November 9, after a massive stroke, in the hospice unit of St. Barnabas. Mr. Bottone was born on a farm in Livingston, where he lived his entire life. He was graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in Caldwell in 1949, attended the University of Maryland, and later was graduated from Panzer College, now part of Montclair State University. He also earned two master's degrees. Mr. Bottone started and coached the football program at New Providence High School in 1963 and remained there until his retirement in 2010. During the Korean War, Mr. Bottone served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Bottone is survived by his wife of 41 years, Betsy (Goodwin); his daughter, Lynda (Ron) Pepe of Andover; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. He was predeceased by his six siblings and his son, Frank, Jr. Arrangements were made by Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home in Livingston.

Mary Catherine Grasso died in her Livingston home on Wednesday, November 1. She was 74 years old. Visitation took place at the O’Boyle Funeral Home in Bloomfield on Monday, November 6. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, November 7. Mrs. Grasso, who was born in Newark, was a long-time resident of Livingston. A graduate of Immaculate Conception High School, she received a B.S. in biochemistry from Caldwell University, and an M.S. in molecular biology from Rutgers University. She worked in the pharmaceutical industry for her entire career, including Schering-Plough, Parke-Davis, and Warner-Lambert, before retiring from Pfizer as a director in scientific and regulatory affairs. Mrs. Grasso was predeceased by her husband, Gregory Grasso. She is survived her daughter, Kristin Grasso of Livingston, and her brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Claytona Nixon Jr. The family has suggested that, in lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Grasso’s memory be made to a local animal shelter.

James Russomanno, 68, of Livingston, died Monday, October 30. The funeral was held on Wednesday, November 8, at the Megaro Memorial Home in Belleville, followed by a Mass at St. Lucy’s Church in Newark. Entombment took place at the Gate of Heaven Chapel Mausoleum in East Hanover. Mr. Russomanno was a business administrator for the City of Newark, retiring in 2009 after 40 years. He is survived by his sisters, Christine Gillespie and her husband, Joseph, and Diane Russomanno. He was predeceased by his sister, Gloria Rose.

Lawrence V. Gelber of Livingston died Saturday, November 4. He was 58 years old. A funeral service was held Tuesday, November 7, at the Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel in Livingston, followed by burial in the Beth Israel Cemetery, Woodbridge. Born in New York City, Mr. Gelber spent his childhood in Colonia. He was graduated as valedictorian from Colonia High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University, and a juris doctorate from New York University Law School. He was a partner at the law firm Schulte, Roth, and Zabel in New York City, where he worked as a bankruptcy attorney. Mr. Gelber was inducted as a fellow in the 25th class of the American Bankruptcy College, and has been recognized by the Legal 500 United States and New York Lawyers as a leader in his field. He was also a member of the Horseneck Motorcycle Riding Club of Livingston. Mr.

Albert N. Lechter, 89, former resident of Livingston and founder of the nationwide chain of the housewares stores, Lechters, passed away November 6 from Alzheimer’s- related complications. He lived in Livingston for many years before settling permanently in Boca Raton, Florida. Born in 1928, he attended Tulane University School of Business. In 1975, he founded the Lechters chain of houseware stores, which expanded to over 500 stores nationwide and was publicly traded in 1989 (NASDAQ: LECH). Mr. Lechter was a supporter of many philanthropic causes, most predominantly including Tulane University, UJA Metrowest, Temple Beth Shalom, Newark Academy, and Saint Barnabas Medical Center. He is survived by two daughters, Robin Lechter Frank and her husband, Dr. Ronald Frank, and Janice Lechter Einsbruch and her husband Alan Einsbruch; and four grandchildren, Alex, David, Josh and Danielle. Any contributions on his behalf can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Biagio Pelaggi, a longtime resident of Livingston, died at home on November 5. Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home in Florham Park will be held today, Thursday, November 9, from 5 to 9 p.m. The funeral will be held on Friday, November 10, at 8:45 a.m. , followed by a mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover at 9:45 a.m. Mr. Biagio was born in Serra San Bruno, Calabria, Italy. He founded Biagio Pelaggi & Son Monument Works in 1977 He was the husband of 56 years to Carmela Pelaggi (Del Mauro); father of Gabriele Pelaggi (Margaret), Francesca Pelaggi, and Maria Romano (Robert); and the grandfather of four. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to the St. Barnabas Visiting Nurse Association at vnahg.org/donate-now.