The Obituary Section

Jr. John Patrick Wheatley

, New Jersey

October 3, 2026

John Patrick Wheatley Jr., known to many as "Captain Wheatley," passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2026, at the age of 89. He was a longtime resident of Westfield, New Jersey, and later of Little Egg Harbor.Born on September 21, 1937, John was raised in Westfield, where he graduated from Holy Trinity High School. After graduation, he proudly served his country for six years in the United States Navy. Upon returning home, he worked as a lineman for the local telephone company, before being appointed to the Westfield Police Department. He also went on to graduate from Union College, with an associates degree in Criminal Justice.John built a distinguished career of nearly four decades with the Westfield Police Department, dedicating himself to serving and protecting the community he called home. He rose through the ranks to Captain, the title by which he was best known and most respected,…

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Thomas De Marco

, New Jersey

September 30, 2026

Thomas De Marco, of Fanwood, NJ, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, at the age of 70. Born on August 16, 1956, in Caserta, Italy, he was the son of Enrico and Anna De Marco, the eldest of 7 children. He was a long time resident of Westfield, NJ, and eventually landed in Fanwood, NJ. Though his journey brought him far from his birthplace, the spirit of who he was remained steadfast: devoted to family, proud of his work, and grateful for the simple and meaningful pleasures of life.Tom carried with him, throughout his life, the values, warmth, and strength that shaped the person he became. Tom built a life defined by hard work, creativity, and devotion to the people he loved. He was a goldsmith by trade working for Alex and Cliff Jewelers in West Orange, NJ, his hands reflected both skill and imagination. He took pride in…

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John Checchio

, New Jersey

October 4, 2026

John Checchio, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and uncle, was called home to God on October 5, 2026 at the age of 96.Born in Plainfield, New Jersey in 1929 to Frank and Clementina Checchio Sr., John was 1 of 5 siblings. After returning home from the Korean War, he spent time painting for his brother before he began working at Accurate Bushing Company in Garwood, New Jersey where he met his late wife, Elizabeth (“Liz” or “Lily”). John and Liz lived their whole married life in Westfield, New Jersey. John was known for his beautiful, full yard garden and spent much of his younger days at the bowling alley or playing softball. He was a devoted, lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and football Giants and cherished spending time with his dog, Cooper. John was always goofing around and making people smile and he truly savored the simple things…

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Susan Koket

, New Jersey

October 8, 2026

Susan Koket, 72, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Overlook Medical Center in Summit New Jersey.Susan was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 2nd, 1954 to Lorenzo and Ruth Nicosia, Susan moved to Westfield, New Jersey in 1985 where she and her Husband, Robert, raised their family.Susan dedicated much of her career to working with children as a Preschool Teacher. She spent 20 years at Willow Grove Presbyterian Church in Scotch Plains and spent the final seven years of her career teaching children at St. Paul’s Day School in Westfield.Above all, Susan cherished her family. She loved raising her three children, Benjamin, Jonathan & Danielle, and spending time with her three beautiful Grandchildren, Nathan, Sienna & Leonardo. She will be remembered by her unmistakable laugh, her willingness to share her opinion, and for being someone family and friends could always turn to when they had a problem…

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Margaret "Peggy" Briggs

, New Jersey

April 7, 2026

Margaret "Peggy" Briggs, 69, of Garwood, passed away on April 8, 2026. Born on December 28, 1956, she was raised in Westfield and made her home in Garwood.For many years, Peg ran the switchboard at Lindabury, and she ran the rest of her life the same way: masterfully and with no patience for nonsense. She was a natural organizer whose talents were on full display at the neighborhood block parties, community senior picnics, and Knights of Columbus events she helped bring to life. She was also active in local politics, never content to watch from the sidelines.Peg was a devoted dog lover, especially of small white dogs, and a true Broadway aficionado. To her family she was the beloved aunt who never forgot a birthday or holiday, and who always had bubbles and sparklers on hand.She is survived by her niece, Kathryn Briggs; her nephew, Matthew Briggs, his wife, Taylor,…

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Joseph "Joe Tic" Anthony Tilocca

, New Jersey

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Westfield Service League at 114 Elmer Street Westfield, New Jersey 07090.Joseph “Joe Tic” Anthony Tilocca of Westfield, passed away at Center for Hope Hospice on Saturday, September 26th. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Theresa. He was the loving husband of Eugenie “Gigi” Orefice Tilocca, with whom he shared 39 years of marriage.Joe was so proud of his beautiful daughters and all that they had accomplished: Francesca and Richard Field of Oak Ridge; and Gianna Tilocca of Westfield. Joe was a man who lived for his family; with the birth of his granddaughter, Gia Gene Field, his love knew no bounds. Gia is a gift to all through these difficult times. Joseph leaves behind his brother, Anthony and Lois Tilocca of Brooklyn; nephew Geoffrey Tilocca; niece Dr. Alexandra Tilocca and Nectario Konstantopoulos; his…

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Peter Anthony Scavuzzo

, New Jersey

September 25, 2026

Peter Anthony Scavuzzo, a lifelong resident of the Plainfield, New Jersey area, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, at the age of 84.Peter lived a life grounded in faith, family and service to others. Whether through his career, his church or his many years of volunteer work, he had a particular concern for people in need and quietly gave his time and talents to helping them.Peter attended St. Mary’s Grammar School in Plainfield and Holy Trinity High School in Westfield. He earned his undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University and later received his master’s degree from Fordham University in New York.He devoted his professional life to helping others through his career with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark. His work included serving HIV patients in Jersey City, reflecting his compassion and commitment to others that would remain central throughout his life.That commitment continued well beyond his professional work.…

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Marilyn Lance

, New Jersey

September 17, 2026

Marilyn Lance (née Walters) passed away at home in Fanwood on September 18, 2026, at the age of 93.Born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania to J. Clifford and Miriam Walters, Marilyn was raised in Reading. She graduated from Reading High School in 1951, then went on to Juniata College where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education, before earning her Master’s Degree also in Education from Penn State University.Marilyn’s education marked the beginning of a fulfilling and successful career as an elementary school teacher. She first worked in the Reading School District then taught in the Piscataway School District in New Jersey. Later in life, Marilyn went back to work and taught elementary students at Timothy Christian School.While on a trip with her mother to the Western United States and the Canadian Rockies, Marilyn met David Lance and the two quickly fell in love and married on August 20, 1960. Together,…

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Wayne L. Misner

, New Jersey

September 30, 2026

The world has lost the most amazing human being and the greatest father to have ever lived. Wayne Lyle Misner, 90 (19 days short of 91), passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2026.Misner retired from his consulting company Healthcare CIO in 2002. His experience with healthcare computer systems spanned 50 years. Over all of those years he installed systems in Jersey Shore Medical Center (Meridian Health System), St. Elizabeth Hospital (Trinitas), and Morristown Medical Center (Atlantic Health System). In addition, he directed the Information Systems Centers at Carrier Rehabilitation Hospital and Shore Memorial Hospital. As Vice President of the Princeton based New Jersey Hospital Association, Misner represented all of the New Jersey Hospital members, directing “The Hospital Information System.”Misner was a past President Elect for the New Jersey Healthcare Financial Management Association where he was the recipient of the awards, Follmer Bronze, Reeves Silver, Muncie Gold and the…

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Joann K. Ellis

, New Jersey

September 22, 2026

Joann K. Ellis, 81, passed away on September 23, 2026, peacefully, surrounded by family. Born on August 18, 1945 in Newark, NJ, she was the daughter of Joseph P. Stulpin and Katherine C. Stulpin.Joann graduated from Nutley High School, Class of 1963. Music was a steady part of her life for many years, and she shared her voice as a cantor and member of the choir at St. Bernards R.C. Church in the choir at St. Joseph’s R C. Church and with the Carteret Serenaders. Singing and music brought her joy and remained close to her heart. In her younger years, she also enjoyed ceramics, sewing, and baking.Those who knew Joann will remember her as a kind person who wanted to help others. She had a warm way of making people laugh, especially when she retold stories about her grandparents and her aunts and uncles. She did not just tell…

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