Livingston news

The Livingston Zoning Board, at its December 12 meeting, temporarily adjourned Gary and Darice Tufaro’s application to construct a two-car garage at 89 East McClellan Avenue until February, 2024. The Board also heard four more applications, approving two and pushing back the others to later dates in the new year.

Additionally, prior to its public meeting, the Board memorialized resolutions honoring Jim Hochberg and Tony Nardone for their contributions to the township, as both men will resign from the Board at the end of the year.

89 East McClellan Avenue

Six Livingston High School varsity girls ’ soccer players were named to the Super Essex All-Conference teams, including four on the First Team.

First Team Honorees

Senior Riley Chisarick, captain and centerback for the Lancers, was named to the First Team All-Conference in the American Division. Coach Brian Carr noted that she was part of 11 shutouts, and only five teams scored on the Lancers while she was on the field.

Senior striker Bella Dilanni was also named to the first team. She led the team in goals for the second consecutive season, recording 13 goals and ten assists. Her “biggest moment,” said coach Carr, was “scoring our first goal against Montclair.”

Margaret Lilien, 99, of Livingston, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at her home on December 2,2023, just three months shy of her 100th birthday Bom in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Margaret eventually moved to Livingston in 1970, where she wouldresideforover50years. She married the love of her life, Edward Lilien (of blessed memory), on August 24, 1944. The two had a beautiful life together, full of happy times and many precious memories.

Margaret believed in doing for others. She was a Life Member of Hadassah of Livingston-West Orange, was avolunteerat St. Barnabas Medical Center, and was the Treasurer of Ahavath Achim B ’nai Lilien for over 20 years. When she wasn’t volunteering her time, you could find her knitting for those in nursing homes or for the National Council of Jewish Women. To say Margaret was a woman of valor would be an understatement.

Joan Kellett, a loving mother, sister, grandmother, and aunt, was born Joan Rita Weiselberg on April 15, 1937. She passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at her residence in Somerset, NJ.

Joan’s professional and volunteer career spanned decades, and she was always involved helping others and a love of animals and quilting.After attending University of Illinois and graduating from Hunter College in New York, Joan began a career as a speech therapist at Mount Sinai hospital. She later worked for the National Burn Victim Foundation, and volunteered for the West Orange First Aid Squad and Therapy Dogs International. She was also an active longtime member of the Common Threads Quilters Guild. Her countless quilts are a cherished legacy that will live on forever as a reminder of her love and creativity.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Lori; son-in-law Brig; and granddaughters Shoshi and Sarah Mae; as well as her sister, Marilyn; and niece and nephew, Linda and Bob.

Coleman Jacob Leff of Livingston, NJ and Harvey Cedars, NJ passed away on December 6, peacefully in the hospital. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle.

Surviving are his children, son Larry (Andrea) Leff and daughter Robin (David) Bellicha. His grandchildren are Mitchell and Eric Leff, Hannah and Ariel Bellicha, Nicole Bellicha, and Tali and Josh Rub.

Agraveside service was held on Thursday, December 7. Donations may be made in his memory to Caron Foundation (Caron.org), Friendship Circle, and Friends of Israel Defense Forces (FIDF).

Rhona (Shaw) Jordan, 95, died peacefully on December 3, 2023. Born and raised in Newark, NJ, she was a resident of Livingston, NJ, for 60 years before moving to Boca Raton, FL, over four years ago. Rhona was happily married to the late Irwin Jordan for 65 years.

Rhona was active in the community. She was a member of ORT, the National Council of Jewish Women and Temple Emanuel of Livingston. She loved to play mah jongg and served on the National Mah Jongg League Board of Directors for 25 years, where she was instrumental in creating the yearly cards. She was known as an excellent baker. Her cookie recipes were legendary among her family and friends.

Rhona was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, cousin, neighbor, and friend.

Richard Samuel Bruskin of Succasunna, formerly of Livingston, died December 7. He was 59 years old.

Born in Summit and raised in Livingston, Mr. Bruskin had lived in Succasunna since 2006. He was an IT manager at Teva Pharmaceuticals in Parsippany. He held a master of business administration degree from Rutgers University, and had earned his undergraduate degree, studying math and computer science, at Ithaca College.

Surviving are Mr. Bruskin’s wife, Stephanie (Ames); his children, Jennifer, Matthew, Blake, and Gia; and his brothers, Robert and Michael and his wife, Debbie. Predeceased by his parents, Lester and Carol Bruskin, he is also survived by his parentsin- law, Edward and Rachelle Ames.

Arrangements were by the Bernheim- Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel of Livingston.

The Livingston Planning Board, at its December 5 meeting, concluded hearings over 39 W. Northfield Associates, LLC’s application to construct a new two-story medical office building with added features like parking lot expansion, landscaping, lighting, and signage. However, the Board pushed back a vote on the application to January 16,2024, in order to draft and review a final resolution.

CAMUSO HOLIDAY DISPLAY OPENS: Warm weather attracted large crowds for the opening night of the Camuso Holiday Display on Saturday, December 2, at the Livingston Oval. At left are the late Ernie Camuso’s children and their spouses, along with his grandchildren, lighting the Camuso Holiday Display on opening night with “Chief Elf’ Tom Cooney. Shown are Steven and Melissa Camuso, and Philip and Cara Rentzis. Plugging in the lights are grandchildren Olivia Camuso, Theo Rentzis, and Panos Rentzis. Jerry Siskind Photos

HOCKEY TEAM READIES FOR SEASON: The Livingston High School Lancer ice hockey team gets ready for the season opener on Friday, December 8, at the Codey Arena against West Essex. Shown here, Livingston skaters take off during the speed drill. Don Schwartz Photo