Obituaries

Leonard Fichtel, 91, of Livingston, died on Tuesday, May 16. He is predeceased by his wife Irma Fichtel; and his mother and father, Claire and Morris Fichtelberg.

He was born in the Bronx, lived in Monroe, New York, but resided in South Orange, Short Hills, Cedar Grove, and most recently, Livingston for over three decades.

Mr. Fichtel spent much of his career with Etna Products and E. Mishan and Sons in Manhattan.

He leaves behind his two sons, Michael and Marc Fichtel; his brother, Herbert; step-daughter, Holly Graessle; and stepsons, Alan Markman and Carl Markman.

A graveside service for Leonard will be held today, Thursday, May 18, at 11 a.m. at The Chapel at Short Hills, 451 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, New Jersey 07041.

The family suggests sharing fond memories and expressions of sympathy at www.bernheimapterkreitzman.com.

Samuel E. Battista, Jr., 78, of East Hanover, died on Tuesday, May 16, in Livingston.

Mr. Battista was born in Orange, to the late Samuel and Josephine Battista. He began his career with the Orange Police Department in the motorcycle patrol division. He worked through various departments throughout his career, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant after almost 34 years.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Barbara; his loving daughters, Natalie Nicotra (Gene) and Jackie Palmieri (Anthony); his step-daughters, Kimberly Conyers (Chris), Amanda Kopera (Josh), Lindsday Pearson (Matt). He also leaves behind many grandchildren.

Visitation will be held today, Thursday, May 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, Livingston. Funeral mass will be offered on Friday, May 19 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Philomena’s Church, Livingston, with entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

Anthony Siino passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023, leaving a hole in the hearts of all who knew him. At just 48 years old, he was taken from us far too soon after a courageous battle with cancer. Anthony showed incredible determination and strength throughout his battle, never giving up and fighting until the very end. His unwavering spirit was a true testament to his character Born on June 3, 1974, Anthony was the youngest of four boys to Frances and the late Joseph Siino. He was raised in Livingston and graduated Livingston High in 1992. He went on to attend Rutgers University, where he earned his bachelor of arts in economics in 1996. As a proud Rutgers alum, he cherished time spent with his family and friends, especially during Rutgers tailgates, where he was master of ceremony and commander of the grill.

In 2007, Anthony married his wife, Kellie Daly, and they started their life together building a beautiful

Marie Cangi (née Pica) age 95, of Livingston died on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

Mrs. Cangi was predeceased by her husband, Frank Cangi; her sisters, Phyllis Bisogno, Louise Bendowski, and Mollie Kitchen; and her brothers, Carmen and James Pica. Mrs. Cangi was born and raised in Newark, where she met her husband Frank and they married in 1949. They remained married for 56 years until Frank’s death in 2005.

Mrs. Cangi is survived by her daughters, Sandi Hoffer (Bill), and Nancy Cangi; and grandsons Greg Hoffer (Susanna Fernandes) and Jake Hoffer (Morgan Lambert).

Services are private. The family suggests donations may be made to The Crossing Church (www. tccnj.church, 222 Laurel Avenue, Livingston).

Claire Rieser, 90, died on Saturday, April 22.

Born in Orange, Rieser lived in Livingston, then in East Hanover for 50 years before moving to Toms River ten years ago. She was employed as the East Hanover’s court administrator for 30 years prior to her retirement in 2002.

Rieser is survived by her husband of 68 years, Charles; her son, Eric and his fiancée, Kim Lovell; her daughter, Lori Baldwin and her husband, Jeff; two grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother, Charles Journey.

The family has requested that memorial donations be made to either the Historic or Deacon’s Funds of the First Presbyterian Church of Hanover in lieu of flowers: hancliffehomeforfunerals. com.

Charles Francis Harrop, 69, of West Caldwell, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, after having never fully “recovered” from surgery on March 14.

Charlie was born and raised in Livingston, and always considered Livingston to be his home. Charlie was autistic before autism was a diagnosis. His mother, Loretta Harrop, advocated strongly for his education before there were many (if any) special education services available. Through her efforts and the Livingston Board of Education, Charlie was able to graduate from Livingston High in 1974 in the top 20 percent of his class.

Anna Fusco, 89, of Livingston, died on Wednesday, April 12.

Born and raised in Orange, Mrs. Fusco moved to Livingston more than 45 years ago.

She was a bookkeeper for many years with the Employers Association of New Jersey. After her retirement, she started Fusco Bookkeeping, a bookkeeping and tax preparation company.

Mrs. Fusco is predeceased by her parents,Angelo and Crestina DeVito originally from Lucera, Italy and Orange, New Jersey.

She is survived by her children, Barbara Fusco, Benito Fusco and Angelo Fusco; and three grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105 or at https://www.stjude.org.

Roger J. Fitzsimmons, 91, of Little Silver died on Friday, April 7.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Mr. Fitzsimmons and his wife, Patricia, settled in Livingston, where he started a career in banking. He worked in the trust division at the Howard Savings Bank in Newark, and the Union County Trust Company in Elizabeth. In 1966, he moved on to Monmouth County National Bank in Red Bank, which is now Wells Fargo, where he was senior vice president.

He was a long time member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Jersey Shore. He was past president of the Red Bank Rotary, theRootBeerandCheckerClub, and the Notre Dame Club of the Jersey Shore. He also served on the board of MCOSS, the Red Bank YMCA, and the local Chamber of Commerce.

Harold J. McCornac, 88, of Livingston, died on Wednesday,April 12.

Mr. McCornac grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York. He met his wife, Susan in Dalton, M.A. They settled in Livingston in 1965.

He was predeceased by his wife, Susan Callahan McCornac. He is survived by his children: Michael (Debbie) McCornac, Lauren (Paul) Stephen and Carolyn McCornac; and his six grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Philomena Church, Livingston on Tuesday, April 18.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter in East Hanover at www.NJShelter.org.