community news from Livingston

Antoinette Guidice of Livingston, died at home on Friday, July 10. Mrs. Guidice was born to Michele and Maria (Libretti) Cammarano in Sassano, Salerno, Italy, near Naples, and came to America in 1939.

She grew up in Newark and attended school there, learning English and American culture and attaining her U.S. citizenship.

She married John Guidice in 1951 and they lived in North Arlington before moving to Livingston in 1960.

Mrs. Guidice worked at the Roma Restaurant, which her father owned, and later was a cocktail waitress at The Manor, where her husband served as Maitre’d.

Predeceased by her husband and her brother, John Cammarano, she was the mother of Frank (Karen), and Michael and Gina Guidice; the grandmother of six; and the greatgrandmother of five.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Robert Bitton, formerly of Livingston, died after a short battle with brain cancer, at home in Naples, Florida, on July 9. He was 81 years old.

Mr. Bitton was born at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark to Sydney and Bertha (Rabkin) Bitton. He graduated from Hillside High School in 1956 and from Rutgers University in 1960.

Mr. Bitton is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rhoda (Heiber); his sister, Maxine (née Bitton) Paris; his son, David (Meg) Bitton of Tenafly; his daughters, Michele Bitton of San Francisco, California, and Susan (David) Erdreich of Berkeley Heights; and four grandchildren.

He was CEO of Supreme Security Systems, Inc., a company his father started in 1929.

Graveside services were held on Sunday, July 12, at King Solomon Cemetery in Clifton. The family suggests that those who wish to remember Mr. Bitton may make a donation to the charity of their choice.

RECREATIONAL RENEWAL: With the township’s recreational facilities re-opened, Livingston residents made the most of the summery weather and headed outdoors. At top left, Emma and Elyse Pomerance have fun in the water at the Mervyn V.T. Haines Pool. Above, Adam Froimowitz pushes his son, Jake, on the “take a spin” equipment. At bottom left, Will McNichol shoots on the Memorial Park basketball courts, while his brother Luke looks on. Below, Pitcher Jason Grebin brings it to the plate during the TSTI practice on the Oval. Don Schwartz Photos

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Although the lady retired from Livingston politics nearly 40 years ago, her name is still known and fondly remembered throughout town: Doris L. Beck, our first female mayor. This week, we bid farewell to the former mayor and Township Councilwoman, who passed away on Sunday, July 12, at the age of 91. Her relocation to Florida in retirement represented a loss to Livingston then; her passing now marks an even greater loss – and the end of an era.

FIFTH GRADERS CELEBRATE MILESTONE: Unable to hold the traditional in-person “Moving Up” ceremonies for fifth graders this year, Mt. Pleasant Elementary School and the other district elementary schools instead celebrated the milestone with virtual gatherings and car parades. Mt. Pleasant Elementary School celebrated the end of the school year and the Moving Up of its 100 fifth graders with socially distanced ice c ream parties; a virtual Moving Up ceremony; a car parade; and professional photographs funded by th e PTA Fifth Grade Committee, which lifted the spirits of students, families and staff. Shown here, Alan Yaari waves during the MPE car parade. His mom, Carla Yaari, is taking a photo, and his Dad,Isaac Yaari, has the wheel. Additional photos may be seen on page B-4. Jodi Rothfeld Photography

In response to questions from the community, and to quell any rumors, Livingston superintendent of schools Matthew Block said the district intends to announce its “initial plan” in the coming week.

Superintendent Block said the administration has been hard at work developing a plan, particularly since New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy proposed a comprehensive, 104-page plan for reopening schools last week.

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As of Tuesday afternoon, July 7, the Essex County health department has reported that a total of 494 Livingston residents have tested positive for COVID-19. Of those residents, 67 have died as a result of the virus.

Compared to the same time last week, cases are flat. Due to reclassifications of individuals’ hometowns, there are two fewer recorded deaths in town, as well.

Just 15 cases and four deaths were reported in Livingston between June 1 and July 1.

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VETERANS MARK INDEPENDENCE DAY: Although there was no townwide Fourth of July celebration due to the pandemic, Livingston’s veterans’ organizations - the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2856, the American Legion Post 201, and the Jewish War Veterans of the USA Post 740 - held a commemorative ceremony at the War Memorial at the Oval. The ceremony included patriotic presentations, a Boy Scout review, and a salute to the USA’s 244th year. Above, veterans, flanked by Boy Scouts Advaith Pillai and Kaushik Mukkavilli, salute the flag, which was flown at full staff for the ceremony. Veterans shown are Bill Brost, George Walsh, Tony Ciccone, Jerry Wolf, Brian Boyle, Skip Van der Vaarst, Fred Friedman, Lou Greenspan, Irwin Cohen, Joel Lightner, and Charles Quinn. At right, veteran Joel Lightner waves an American flag while displaying his matching patriotic face mask and tie. Don Schwartz Photos

Ruth Ferdinand of Howell, formerly of Maplewood and Livingston, died on June 26.

Predeceased in 1998 by her husband, Gerald, Mrs. Ferdinand is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Patty) of Manalapan, Lane (Barbara) of Livingston, and Shelly (Ron) of Cranford; six step-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren; and her niece and nephew, Margaret Poper and Donald Poper.

Services were held June 28 with arrangements by Menorah Chapels at Millburn, Union.

July 4 marked the opening of the brand new cricket pitch at the Basin Cricket Ground for the Sanskriti sports community. Basin Cricket Ground is located on Madison Court, opposite Northland Pool.

During the opening ceremony, Nilesh Mhatre of the Sanskriti Executive Committee thanked township personnel including Jennifer Walker and Ronald Barbella ofthe Livingston Senior, Youth, and Leisure Services Department as well as the members of the Township Council for their support in assigning the Basin field to Sanskriti.

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