Livingston news

Former Livingston resident Michael Bart Rubin died at Woodland Behavioral and Nursing Center in Andover, on Saturday, March 6.

Born in Newark and raised in Livingston, Mr. Rubin was predeceased by his parents, William and Beatrice. He is survived by his sister, Susan and her husband, Ken Samson; his niece, Jodi Samson, and his nephew, Jeremy Samson and his wife, Amy.

Private services were held under the direction of Bernheim Apter Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel in Livingston. Burial was in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Iselin. To leave a message of condolence, visit www.bernheimapterkreitzman.com.

CHEERLEADERS HONORED ON SENIOR DAY: Members of the Livingston High School varsity cheerleading squad were honored on Senior Day prior to the tip-off of the boys’ varsity basketball game against Montclair Kimberley Academy on Friday, March 5. Each senior cheerleader was introduced, presented with a floral bouquet, and photographed at center court. Shown here, from the bottom row up, are Ally Fong, Amanda Maganeheim, Laine Kowalski, Ja’Nasia Hansome-Conover, Vanessa Villalobos, Yemmanuella Bragarnik, Imani Medy, Emma Michaels, Avery Smidt, and Jamie Britt. Don Schwartz Photo

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The Livingston High School ice hockey team ended the year on Thursday, March 4, with a 4-0 loss to Glen Rock in the McInnis Cup championship game. The McInnis Cup Tournament consisted of seven teams —Westfield, Glen Rock, Summit, West Essex, Montclair, Verona and Livingston.

It was a very successful season for LHS hockey, as veteran varsity coach Dave Conklin’s team ended the season with an 8-3-2 record. Seniors playing in their last high school games were Mitchell Hersch, Alex O’Keefe, Cade Prendergast, Lenny Kanchik, assistant captain Tyler Schultz, and captain, First Team All League Michael Mumm. “All six seniors had great high school careers and will be missed,” said coach Conklin.

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Last week, Governor Phil Murphy signed adult use cannabis reform bills into law. This news came after a majority of voters in the November election cast their ballots to approve recreational marijuana in New Jersey. With these historic bills come many questions from the public, and much work to be done in town.

We do understand the specific concerns of some parents regarding one part of the new laws, which lets first-time underage consumers of marijuana and alcohol off with a warning, and no call to a parent or guardian. Many families feel like their rights to parent their children how they see fit are being taken away, and we appreciate that perspective.

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HOCKEY TEAM ADVANCES TO CUP FINALS: The Livingston High School ice hockey team defeated Verona - Glen Ridge, 3-1, in the first round of the McInnis Cup on Friday evening, February 26, at the Codey Arena. Lancer Austin Vecchio scored two goals while goalie Zach Turbin made 29 of 30 saves. The Lancers went on to defeat West Essex, 3-2, in the semi-finals on Monday, March 1. They will face the winner of the Westfield-Glen Rock game in the finals, which will be played today, Thursday, March 4, at 4 p.m. at Codey Arena. Shown here, Lancer Dillon Schultz, #7 (right) controls the puck on an offensive charge against Verona - Glen Ridge. Converging on the play is team captain and right winger Michael Mumm, #6. Don Schwartz Photo

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Gabriella DeFilippo ofLivingston has recently earned her Gold Award, the highest award offered in Girl Scouting.

She is a member of Livingston Girl Scout Troop 20735, and has been since the age of five. Her mom, Kim DeFilippo, established the troop in 2007 as a townwide troop, notes Gabriella, “so we had girls from every elementary school, and I have made some lifelong friends from the program.” She has been a dedicated Girl Scout for the past 13 years, earning her Bronze, Silver, and now Gold awards.

The Planning Board discussed a time extension, a redevelopment ordinance, and a parking variance at its online meeting on Tuesday, March 2.

While the meeting was said to be livestreamed on Facebook, it was only available on Zoom on Tuesday night. It was not posted on Facebook as ofpress time on Wednesday morning. As a result, it is not able to be viewed after its conclusion, as has been the case for public meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to time, the hearing for an application for signage by Santander Bank, N.A., at 301 South Livingston Avenue, was adj ourned until the next meeting, on March 16.

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Late Tuesday, prior to our print deadline, the Tribune learned that Livingston superintendent of schools Matthew Block will present the district’s “Spring Ahead Plan,” at the Wednesday, March 3, Board of Education meeting.

According to the district, the plan is expected to outline steps for elementary school students to be in school full-time by the end of the school year, as well as plans to significantly increase the time that secondary students are in school by the end of the school year.

In addition, the new Livingston High School principal was expected to be appointed at Wednesday’s meeting.

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Franco Compagnone died in his Livingston home on Feburary 21. He was 96 years old.

A former resident of Essex Fells and Naples, Florida, he was born in Rome, Italy, on January 21, 1925. He received his medical degree from the University of Rome School of Medicine. He was last employed at Saint Barnabas Medical Center for more than 30 years.

He was a member of Rock Spring Club, Longboat Key Club and Kensington Golf Club.

Mr. Compagnone is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anita; two daughters, Marisa Boniface of Edgartown, Massachusetts, and Dr. Linda Compagnone of Flemington; five grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Bernard Compagnone.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, February 27, at Our Lady ofthe Blessed Sacrament Church in Roseland. Aprivate burial was held at Gate ofHeaven Cemetery in East Hanover. Funeral services were entrusted to Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, Roseland.

Thomas “Tommy/Tom” Joseph Gaven, Jr. arrived at the pristine beaches of heaven on February 24, 2021, surrounded by his family and the peaceful sound of ocean waves. He was a devoted husband and soulmate for over 40 years to Maria Helena Knapik ofLivingston, New Jersey, and together they raised their children, Julie Marie (Ash), Marissa Eve, and Gregory Thomas in northern Virginia.

Born on June 11, 1958 inNewark, New Jersey, he was the eldest son of Thomas Joseph Gaven, Sr. and Doris Ann Delsandro. He was the best big brother to Edward (Janet), Robert (a.k.a. Big B), and Anne Marie Hughes (Joseph). His extended family of over 150 aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins will fondly remember his ever-present smile & kind, loving disposition.