Knights in Memoriam

James F. O’Donnell, age 91, of River Edge NJ passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 12, 2022 … surrounded by his loving family. Survived by his beloved wife of more than 58 years Mary (O’Mahoney). Devoted father of Catherine, Mary and partner Ralph Cavalucci, James Jr., Margaret, John and wife Victoria, and Eileen. Cherished grandfather of Thomas Dowd and Brendan O’Donnell. Dear brother-in-law of John and Patricia O’Mahoney. Adoring uncle of many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by precious parents John and Katherine (Gallagher) O’Donnell, treasured siblings Jack and wife Kay, Kathleen and husband John Fleming, dear in-laws Margaret and Pat Hesse, Catherine and Tom Gallagher, and Connie Twilley, and by adored niece Kathleen Mellina and nephews Thomas and James Gallagher.
Jim was born in Manhattan and raised on West 62nd Street. He attended St. Paul the Apostle Church and grammar school, the High School of Commerce and later graduated from Bergen Community College.
After proud service in the United States Army, Jim launched a successful professional career at IBM. He started in the mailroom and held progressively more responsible positions until his retirement as a data analyst after 36 years. In retirement, his “work” included serving as a popular and beloved crossing guard at one of the busiest intersections in town between the River Dell Middle and High Schools.
Jim was an extremely active parishioner of St Peter the Apostle Church serving as a CCD teacher, Eucharistic Minister, Past President of the Holy Name Society, Social Concerns Committee Member and First Saturday Club Driver. He was equally involved in civic organizations including the Knights of Columbus Monsignor Burke Council #5015 (Past Grand Knight), the VFW Post #876 of River Edge (Past Senior Vice Commander), American Legion Sgt. Walter Scott Brown Post #226 of River Edge, Elks Lodge #1506 of Ridgefield Park, and the River Edge Swim Club (Past President and Trustee). For many years, Jim also volunteered as a Little League and REGAL coach, Cub Scout Dad and most loyal supporter of all of his children’s activities.

Hackensack - Sheridan John Ogden, "Oggie" of Hackensack, formerly of River Edge, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, November 4, at age 73. A Teaneck native, Sheridan was a proud graduate of Teaneck High School, where he was fond of joking he spent seven wonderful years, and was a Lifetime Member of the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The oldest of six, Sheridan was known for his antics around town and shocked nearly everyone in Teaneck when he joined the Teaneck Police Department in 1980. Sheridan married his wife, Dottie, of 47 years in 1974 and the couple moved to River Edge in 1978. Together they raised their two sons in River Edge where Sheridan was an active member of the community as a little league coach, boy scout leader, member of the Knights of Columbus, and your friendly neighborhood plumber. He was perhaps best known around town as the man in the turkey hat who organized the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive at St. Peter the Apostle Parish with Dottie. Along the way, Sheridan earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from William Paterson University in 1985 and later became an instructor at the Bergen County Police Academy as well as a founding member of the Community Policing program of the TPD. In 2006, Oggie retired as a Sergeant after 26 years and began to spend summers in Hemlock Farms, Pennsylvania, where he enjoyed walks with his beloved dog, Jack, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, and watching for bears out the back window. Throughout his life, Oggie was known for his generous spirit, unwavering integrity, and most of all his sense of humor. He is survived by countless loving family members and friends, including his beloved wife, Dottie, son Eric and son-in-law Garth Pearl, and son and daughter-in-law Steven and Heather Ogden. Sheridan is predeceased by his brothers John and Dennis Ogden, and is survived by his sister Mary Ellen Walter, and brothers, Timothy and Gregory Ogden. The family will be receiving Oggie's fans at Volk Leber Funeral Home at 268 Kinderkamack Rd. in Oradell on Sunday, November 7, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be at St. Peter the Apostle Church in River Edge on Monday at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please help add to Oggie and Dottie's lifetime Turkey Tally of 10,141 by bringing a turkey to your local food bank or making a donation to the Community Food Bank of NJ. As Oggie would say, "It's been good seeing me!" For further information and to view Oggie's tribute page, please visit volkleber.com

Swampscott, MA - Christian J. Lau, Jr., 85 years old, died peacefully in Swampscott, MA on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 of prostate cancer. Chris was born in 1936 the son of the late Christian and Ann (Myers) Lau in Plainfield, NJ. Raised in Plainfield by his mother, he graduated from Plainfield High School in 1955 and served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959. After his service, he worked as an auto mechanic with his uncle.

In 1962, Chris married Valeska Koehn, daughter of the late Albert and Katherine (Saalbeck) Koehn. He and Valeska were residents of River Edge, NJ from 1966 until 2019 when they moved to Swampscott, MA. They raised three children, Christian III, Valeska and Suzanne and were married for 57 years, until Valeska's passing in 2020. Chris worked in Manhattan for over 55 years as a painter and manager of interior decorating companies, Albert Koehn Inc. and Phillips Painting.

In River Edge, Chris was a long-time and very involved member of St. Peter the Apostle Church, the Knights of Columbus (Grand Knight 1981), Little League and the River Edge Recreation Committee. He especially enjoyed establishing and running the men's softball league. In 1999, he was elected Town Councilman and proudly served three terms over nine years for his beloved town.

Chris enjoyed traveling with Valeska especially trips every September to Woodloch Pines Resort in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. His greatest joy was his family, neighbors and the community. Chris thrived on making relationships, being involved and lending a hand.

Chris is survived by his sister Barbara Kantor, his son Christian Lau III and his wife Maura of Swampscott, MA, daughter Valeska Gill and her husband Minto of Suwanee, GA, daughter Suzanne Santos and her husband Luis of Fort Worth, TX, grandchildren, Christopher Santos, Brianna Gill, Stephanie Santos, Connor Lau, Nicolette Gill, Cameron Lau, Carson Lau and Caiden Lau, nieces Karen Benning, Toni (Kantor) Holmes, Terri Kantor and nephews Tom Kantor and Robert Kohl.

Daniel J. Mitchell, formerly of River Edge and Barnegat, N.J., passed away on June 7, 2021.  Dan was predeceased by his devoted wife of over 60 years Joan M. (nee Jarczynski) Mitchell. Father to Joanne Mitchell-George and her husband James D. George (deceased) of River Edge; Katherine Rosenthal and her husband Harry of Ramsey; Daniel Mitchell and his wife Susan of Hillsborough; Patrick Mitchell and his wife Catherine of Morristown; and Brian J. Mitchell and his wife Kathleen of River Edge; and grandfather to Christine, Elizabeth (Derek), Michael (Kelly), Danielle (Christopher), Daniel (Jessica), Kerry, Ashleen Rose (deceased), Ryan, Lauren, and Aidan. Proud Great-Grandpa to Margaret and Abigail.  Dan also had numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Rose (nee Hughes) Mitchell and siblings Margaret McCormick, Raymond Mitchell, and Mary Gross.

He received his B.B.A. from Manhattan College and M.B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University.  Dan was an Air Force veteran who served overseas in Okinawa.  He spent the majority of his career in Finance at American Insurance Association. Dan was a very biased fan of the Giants (who believed Taylor was held on every play) and St. John’s hoops (who thought Chris Mullin was the son he never had).  Most of all he was a giver who wore many hats as a coach for his kids, driver for the First Saturday Group, Eucharistic Minister and member of the Parish Council at St. Peter’s, past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Finance Committee member at Mirage, and volunteer at the St. Francis Food Pantry.

Edward F.P. Lane, of River Edge, NJ peacefully entered into eternal life Sunday, May 9, 2021 at Valley Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born in Jersey City on October 11, 1939 to the late Catherine (née Kelleher) and John Lane. Edward was a graduate of St. Peter’s College and retired as Financial Advisor and Vice President of Royal Alliance, Old Tappan, NJ. Previously he held the same position at EFHutton, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, Paine Webber and UBS. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, ranking as Second Lieutenant, and a member of American Legion Post #0226. He served his community as an elected Town Councilman for 12 years, and was also a member of the River Edge Planning Board. Edward was a faithful parishioner of St. Peter’s R.C. Church where he was President of the Parish Council and member and Past Grand Knight of St. Peter’s Knights of Columbus, Council #5015, and was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Edward was the beloved husband of 51 years of Sheila (née Sutton), devoted father of Kathleen (Christopher) Caslin, Maureen Lane, Eileen (Fiachra) Grisewood, and, dear brother of John (Mary) Lane, Jr., Thomas and Mary Lane. He will be sadly missed by his cherished grandchildren, Andrew, Kiera, Ronan and Orla. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Frawley, Thomas George, age 71, of River Edge, on Thursday, April 2, 2020.

Born and raised in Paterson, Thomas had lived in Hawthorne for many years before moving to River Edge. He worked as an auditor for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local #825. Thomas was a parishioner of St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church in River Edge where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and an active member of the St. Peter Seniors group, serving as Vice President. For many years, Thomas volunteered his time as a baseball and football coach in Hawthorne. He was predeceased by his wife Virginia (nee: De Feo) Frawley (2008).

Thomas was the beloved husband of Elaine (nee: De Sousa) Frawley. Loving father of Thomas George Frawley, Jr. and his wife Denise of Fair Lawn, Michael Edward Frawley of West Milford, Patrick Joseph Frawley and his wife Brittany of West Milford and the late Jean Marie Frawley (1975). Dear grandfather of Jack, Gianna and Liam Thomas Frawley. Dearest brother-in-law of Robert De Sousa and his wife Joyce of Beechhurst, NY.

Daniel J. Daly, 75, of River Edge, died January 7, 2018. Survived by his brother, Robert Daly and his wife Joanne, his sisters, Eileen Daly Chusid and Anne Marie Jerlinski and her husband Peter. Also survived by nieces and nephew, Elizabeth, Patrick, Sheila, Meghan and Laura. Predeceased by his parents, Eileen (née Larkin) and Daniel T. Daly, and his brother-in-law, Les Chusid.

Daniel was born in New York City and was a bartender with Coogan's Restaurant, New York City prior to retiring. He was a former member of Good Shepherd Parish in the Inwood Section of New York City, and was an active member of St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, River Edge. Daniel was a member of the Knights of Columbus Msgr. Burke Council #1505, River Edge.

Funeral Mass Thursday, January 10th, 9:30 AM, St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, River Edge. Interment St. Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx, NY. Visiting Wednesday, January 9th, 4-8 PM at the Beaugard-McKnight Funeral Home, 869 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge.

George E. Riley - age 83, of River Edge passed on October 11. Beloved husband of Francis, and father of 2 fine boys and grandfather of 4 granddaughters.  After completing his schooling, Mr. Riley join the US Marine Corps, thereafter enjoying a long managerial career at a New York Real Estate Company. Mr. Riley was very active in River Edge as part of the Town Planning Board, Republican Party, Shade Tree Committee, and was the driving force in establishing the 911 Garden next to the library.  Sir Knight Riley achieved his 3^rd Degree and was a Knight at Council 5015 for 53 years.

John Patrick Gilmartin - age 86, of River Edge passed on October 6 surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of 52 years of Kay and devoted father of Collette Wenzler (Matt), Maureen Gallagher (Brian), and Claire Gilmartin (Dave). Cherished Grandpa to the luckiest seven grandkids around - Andrew, Sheila, Kate, Molly, Erin, John and Adeline.  Born and raised in Belleek, Fermanagh, Ireland. Predeceased by his caring parents, John and Katie, and brothers Billy and Leo. Survived by his wonderful siblings - Mary, Kathleen, Anne, Michael and Kevin. After arriving in the US in 1961, John worked for many years in New York Carpenters Union Local 608 and later as a NYC carpenter. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, River Edge – 3^rd Degree for 32 years. John was the kindest soul with never a bad word to say about anyone. He was a true gentleman and it was our privilege to have him in our lives.

Robert A. Croonquist age 88, a lifetime resident of Teaneck passed on August 22, 2018. Beloved husband of the late Dorothy (nee Zweil). Loving companion of Virginia Laughlin. Devoted father of Robert W. and his wife Susann, Kenneth and his wife Mary Jane, William C. and his wife Christine and Scott and his wife Anne. Robert served in the US Army during the Korean War. Before retiring he was the Public Safety Director for 10 years at Bergen Community College. Prior to that he served as the Teaneck Police Captain from 1954-1985. He was a Commander for the VFW, Saddlebrook. He belonged to the Teaneck American Legion, The Knights of Columbus, River Edge – 3^rd Degree for 26 years, and the R.E US Army Veterans.

Robert L. Gorman, 90, River Edge, New Jersey, passed away on August 27th, 2018 at Villa Marie Claire in Saddle River, NJ.

Robert (Bob) was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 26th, 1928 to Anna and Eugene Gorman.

Bob entered the NAVY during WWII and after spending four years serving his country, he returned home and married his loving wife Joyce on May 27th, 1951.

A 1957 graduate of NYU, Bob went on to have a distinguished career with Merrill Lynch in New York City, eventually working his way up to Vice President before retiring after 57 years. An active member of his community, Bob spent many years coaching little league, was a 60+ year member of St. Peter's Church, as well as a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. His family will lovingly remember many a 4th of July holiday where he would proudly march with his fellow Knights in the town of River Edge parade, always stopping to wave to his grandchildren who were always awaiting his arrival, with flags in hand.

Although his love for sports started early and he was an accomplished athlete in high school, his passion for golf, especially, flourished later in life and he spent many mornings at area courses, always in the company of his sons and close friends. He enjoyed watching football with family and spent many years as an annual ticket holder for one of his favorite teams, the New York Giants. This love for sports was passed along to both his children and grandchildren and it will continue to serve as a bond for his family.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Anna and Eugene, his brother, Eugene Gorman, and his son, John Gorman.

Bob is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joyce (Heinzerling) Gorman; his daughter Kathie Barrera, his sons Paul Gorman (Theresa), Timothy Gorman (Nancy) and daughter-in-law Robin Webster (John) as well as his three brothers, 10 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and his beloved rescue dog, Coco.

Tinton Falls - William T. Tobias, 83, of Tinton Falls, passed away on Sunday, July 1, 2018.

Mr. Tobias was born and raised in Woodside, Queens, the only child of the late William T. and Sarah (Bowen) Tobias. He was a resident of River Edge, N.J., for many years, where he raised his family. In 1998 he moved to Four Seasons at Wall, and in 2012, to Seabrook Village, Tinton Falls. He was a graduate of Fordham University. While studying there, he began working for Western Electric, and would go on to a distinguished career in accounting with the Western Electric/Bell Telephone/A.T.&T. organization. He was always an active community member, having served as President of the River Edge Swim Club, active member of the pool at Four Seasons, and overseeing the screening of movies at Seabrook. He was also a devout Catholic, having been a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, and having done longtime volunteer work for the St. Vincent dePaul Society.

Mr. Tobias was predeceased by his first wife, Mary (Fitzsimons). He is survived by his wife, Fran (Mangan). He is also survived by his children, William J. Tobias, of Hoboken, Clare Ditrio and her husband Nicholas, of Tenafly, and Colin Tobias, of Hoboken, and his stepchildren, Patrick Dunican, and his wife Anne, of Haddon Heights, N.J., John Dunican, and his wife Kathleen, of Danville, CA, and Mary Fran Ullman, of Farmingdale, N.J. Also surviving are his 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

John J. Jennings, 84, of River Edge formerly of County Galway, Ireland passed away on April 4, 2018. Beloved husband of Kathleen (Nee Gilligan). Devoted father of Mary Tyler (Gary), Julie Brennan (Bob), Catherine Broesler (Kevin), John Jennings (Colleen) and Brendan Jennings (Christina). Loving grandfather of Tara, Greg, Ryan, Breanna, Sean, Neeve, Brendan, Erin, Caitlin, Melissa, Caroline, Bobby, Courtney, Samantha, Kiera and Cassidy. Dear brother of Mary Kate, Bridie, Liam and Peter. Predeceased by his grandson John, brother Michael Joe and sister Nora. John was a member of the Bergen Irish for over 30 years. (John was a third degree Knight joining Council 5015 on May1st, 1971.)

William E. Thomas, Jr., 80, of River Edge, passed away on Saturday, March 17 2018. He leaves behind to mourn his passing, his beloved daughter Maureen and her husband Edward Joel. His cherished grandchildren Patrick, Anne, and Margaret. His brother Richard and sister Peggy. Predeceased, by his sister Patricia.

William was born in Jersey City, NJ to Mae (Smith) and William E. Thomas. He worked as a bus driver for NJ Transit retiring in 1997. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, MSGR. Burke Council #5015, River Edge. Bill was a faithful parishioner of St. Peter's Church. He was a longtime friend of the American Legion Post, River Edge and enjoyed coaching for their Baseball Teams.

Dunleavy, Donald J. age 84 a 62 year resident of River Edge and born and raised in Bay Ridge Brooklyn died Saturday, March 10, 2018. Beloved husband of Joan (nee) Edwards. Devoted father of Charles Dunleavy and his wife Robin, Robert Dunleavy and Diane Dunleavy. Loving grandfather of Amanda, Olivia and Hope. Don is survived by his brother Edward and his wife Virginia. He was predeceased by his sisters Marie and Loretta. He will always be remembered by his many loving family members and friends. Don worked for many years as a manager at AT&T. He was a longtime, devoted parishioner of St. Peter the Apostle RC Church where he was a Cornerstone participant and then led a parish group to launch similar programs at sister churches in NJ. Don was proud to be involved with the Boy Scouts of America as he believed "The youth must be served." He began his involvement in scouting 1968 with Troop 184. He continued as Scout Master, Committee Chairman and Unit Commissioner, earning various recognitions and proud of the many scouts he worked with along the way. He was honored as Grand Marshall in the River Edge 4th of July parade. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Robert William Stewart, age 82, of Saddle Brook, NJ passed on November 6, 2017. Beloved husband of Elizabeth Stewart (nee Keough). Loving father of his three children Dawn Stewart, Kelly Cue and her husband Kenneth, and Robert Stewart and his seven grandchildren Deborah, Brooke and Taylor Majkowicz, Maxwell and Cassidy Cue and Beth and Robert Stewart III. Robert is also survived by his sister Maureen Carlin and her husband Daniel, and his nephews Brian Carlin and his wife Jessica and Andrew Carlin and his wife Nicole.

Robert was born in New York City and lived in Saddle Brook for the past 50 years. He was a Sheet Metal Worker of Local #28 in New York. Robert was a U.S. Navy veteran and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5015 River Edge.

Thomas Gale, 81, of River Edge since 1962, died peacefully on November 18, 2017. Beloved husband of Bruni (nee Gomez). Devoted father of Lisa, Andrew, Christine and son-in-law Gary. Cherished grandfather of Cara, Austin, Anthony P., Anthony G., Alex and Peter. Dear brother of Al Gale and his wife Miriam. Predeceased by his son, Anthony and a sister, Mary Gale.

William Doane Watkins, 74, of River Edge, died October 17, 2017. He leaves behind to mourn his passing, his beloved wife of 48 years, and former River Edge Mayor, Margaret "Peggy" (neé Falahee), his devoted children, Will, Matt and his wife Andrea, Kirby and his wife Jessica, and Maggie, and his cherished grandchildren, Liam, Gabe and Benjamin. Also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Bill was born in North Tonawanda, NY to Evalyn (neé Doane) and Joseph W. Watkins. After graduating Georgetown School of Foreign Service, he served as an Army Captain in the Vietnam War. Upon his discharge, William earned his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and was President of Arnet Consulting of River Edge. Bill was active in politics and a member of the Republican Club. He was a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Msgr. Burke Council #5015, member of Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion Sgt. Walter Scott Brown Post #226, Caldroney-Klaiber-Frost VFW Post #876, Ancient Order of Hibernians Bergen Council #32, and Bergen Irish Association, Dumont.