Obituaries

Esther M. Bearg, 96, entered eternity on July 19, 2023 after a long life and a brief illness. An educator and guidance counselor for over 40 years, she earned a doctorate in education and penned many articles about guidance for West Orange High School’s Guidance Department as well as two for the New York Times, and several more for other periodicals and contests. On one side of the family, she achieved the status of the last remaining cousin of her generation.

Bernice (Froling) Anthony passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2022 at the age of 84. A lifelong resident of Livingston, she raised her family in the house built by her father, the same house she lived in prior to marrying WardAnthony. Ward, her life-long sweetheart, lived just three houses away from her while growing up and they ultimately spent 67 wonderful, loving years together.

Bernice was pre-deceased by Ward, who passed on December 16, 2021. Surviving family are her children, Ward Jr. (Allison), Brad (Caryn), Susan Turner (Andy), and Christine Scerbo (Joe, deceased); her grandchildren, Laura, Thomas, Jessica, Robbie (deceased), William, Joseph, Ben, Gillian, and Holly; her brother, Raymond and sister, Nancy.

Jose “Sarge” Martinez, 78, died on Friday, July 7.

Born in San German, Puerto Rico, Mr. Martinez grew up in his place of birth and moved to New Jersey at the age of 18 years old.

Alifelong peace officer, Mr. Martinez received over 30 commendations honoring his valor and dedication.

He played baseball for over 30 years in the USOTB: United States Over Thirty Baseball league for multiple teams, but most recently for the Livingston Dodgers.

He is survived by his partner, Lisa Menza; and his children, Salvador Martinez and spouse Maria, Angel Martinez and spouse Gina, and Melinda Martinez-Fibraio and spouse Seth. Mr. Martinez is survived by his siblings: twin sister, Ana and spouse Miguel Perez, Victor Martinez, Luis Martinez, sister, Pura Cabo and brother, Salvador. He is also survived by many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations in Mr. Martinez’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Dennis Michael Connelly, 74 years old, of Randolph, died on Sunday, June 18.

Mr. Connelly, along with his identical twin brother, Dwight Gordon, were born on January 12, 1949, in Montclair, New Jersey, to the late Jack and Helen Connelly. The two brothers grew up in Livingston and graduated from Livingston High School in 1967. Dennis and Judy Connelly settled in Randolph Township in 1974.

Mr. Connelly was preceded in death by his wife and soulmate of 52 years, Judith Ann Connelly on June 17, 2021; by his identical twin brother, Dwight on May 25, 1967; and by his parents Jack and Helen Connelly.

He is survived by his daughters, Denise Michelle Henderson, husband Bruce; and Tracy Ann Mc-Conkey, fiancé Randy Thomas; his siblings, Nancy Connelly, and Jack (wife Jackie) Connelly; many nieces, nephews, and three grandchildren.

RobertN. Failla of Jupiter, Florida, and formerly of Short Hills and Livingston, New Jersey, died on Friday, June 30.

BominNewark, Mr. Failla was the son of the late Anthony and Marian Failla Mollica, and step-son ofthe late Eugene T. Mollica. He was married to his wife, Ann C. Failla, for over 61 years.

Failla was a graduate ofColumbia High School, Maplewood and Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana.

He was the owner and president of New Jersey Gear and Manufacturing in Hillside, and later vice president of Aero Gear Corporation. He also owned and operated the metal fabrication company, Duro Manufacturing, Inc., Union.

He is survived by his wife, Ann; his children, Marita Wolff and her husband Patrick, and Robert A.

Failla and his wife Kerry; and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Geraldine Comerci and Shirley Albanese.

Aaron R. Greenberg died on Monday, May 1, in Livingston. He was 90.

Mr. Greenberg was born on July 5, 1932, in Brooklyn. He worked in public relations for most of his career.

He is survived by his wife, Felice B. Greenberg; his daughter, Beth Losk (Rick); and by his four grandsons. He was predeceased by his parents; son, Marc; and sister, Irene.

A private graveside service was held on Wednesday, May 3.

Livingston’s first firehouse was erected on a lot at Oak Street and Livingston Avenue, donated by Mrs. Sarah Harrison. The cost of the new firehouse was $2,090.

Quality assurance engineer, coach, boy scout leader, loving husband, father and pop-pop.

Philip Pondiscio passed away peacefully on June 29 after a battle with Parkinson’s and dementia.

Born February 18, 1943 in Montclair, he was the middle child of Ralph and Marie (Roselle) Pondiscio. He spent his early years with his brother Ralph and sister Patricia in Union, New Jersey. He was a graduate of Union High School, Rutgers University and Brown University.

He began his career at Lever Brothers as a chemist. He then advanced his education, becoming a quality assurance engineer at Becton Dickinson and Nexcore Technologies, retiring in 2013.

While working at Lever Brothers his coworker arranged a blind date and the rest was history. He married the love of his life, Dianne, and they enjoyed 51 years of marriage. They had two children, Darren and Jodi, who were the apples of his eye.

Penelope Mariani (née Smith) of Livingston died on Thursday, June 22. She was 88 years old.

Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on February 3,1935 to Stanton McMasters Smith, Jr. and Marian (née Rayeur), Mrs. Mariani lived in Upper Montclair and West Orange. She attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Orange, where she received her RN.

Mrs. Mariani married James Joseph Mariani, Jr. on July 1, 1956.

The couple moved to Livingston, where they raised their family. Mrs. Mariani worked at West Essex General Hospital in Livingston as a floor nurse and then at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orange until she retired.

Mrs. Mariani is predeceased by her husband James (2012); two sons, James III (1990) and David (2006); her brother, Bob (2015); and nephew, John D. Pflug III (2008).

James J. Biancoli Jr., 89 of Livingston, died on Monday June 19.

Mr. Biancoli was a tractor-trailer driver for the Good Humor Corporation for 30 years before his retirement. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was the husband of the late Evelyn Cocuzza Biancoli.

He was a father to James J. III, Julie and her husband David D’Arienzo, and Evelyn and her husband Thomas Porga. He was a brother to Eva Flanagan, Barbara Fraundorfer, Diane Loeffler and the late Roberta Lezon. He had two grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 145 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue Livingston on Saturday, July 1, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Afuneral service will be held during the visitation at 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests making contributions to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 3551 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140.

Anna DiTonno (née Montemarano), age 93, of Livingston, New Jersey, passed away on June 22, 2023. Anna was born on February 27, 1930 to Nicholas and Filomena Montemarano in Brooklyn, New York. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband, Anthony, and daughter Toni DiTonno. She is survived by her four children: Robert DiTonno and wife Juana, Susan Helmstetter and husband Michael, Patti Morris and husband Frank, and Anthony DiTonno and wife Lori (deceased), as well as nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Anna worked at McCrory’s in Newark, as well as First Fidelity Bank in Livingston, but her primary focus in life was her family. After retiring, she enjoyed crocheting beautiful pieces for her family and friends. She was also an avid reader and loved cooking her favorite Italian dishes.