Obituary - Realtor® Memorial Page
Merton C. Hodge passed peacefully at home on July 28, 2026. He shared 82 years of love, kindness and quiet generosity with everyone in his life.
Born in Massachusetts, Mert moved to Parsippany as a teenager, where his father worked as a farmer. It can’t be confirmed or denied...but this may have contributed to his love of chickens & dairy as the years unfolded.
Mert graduated from Parsippany High School and went on to build a life focused around family, service and community.
Mert was blessed with five children. Later in life, he found love with Jane, embracing not only her, but also her daughter. As his family grew, he was filled with love from grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Always a hard worker, Mert held several jobs throughout his lifetime. He owned and operated “Mert's Imported Auto Parts”, where he earned the trust of customers through his integrity. He enjoyed another profession as a realtor, where his friendly nature made him a natural.
Mert found a career he truly loved behind the wheel, spending many years as a chauffeur with Atlantic Town Cars, Manhattan Limousine, and Carey Limousine. More than simply driving passengers to their destinations, he loved an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. His personality, quiet wit, and genuine interest in others led to countless lasting friendships that he treasured long after the rides had ended. To Mert, his clients and coworkers became much more than acquaintances—they became dear friends who enriched his life.
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Ernest Scheidemann in Pequannock, New Jersey, born in Passaic, New Jersey, who passed away on May 18, 2026, at the age of 90, leaving to mourn family and friends.
He was predeceased by: his wife Elsie Scheidemann; his sister Vera Scheidemann; and his grandson Michael. He is survived by: his significant other Lola Carroll; his children, Annmarie Reidy (Keith), Ernest J. Scheidemann, Jr. (Christine), Susan Mulvihill (Stephen), James Scheidemann (Lori), Barbara Sher, Laura Pizzi (Daniel) and Sara Prout (Mark); his grandchildren, Keith, Casey, Alyssa, Brittany, Bryant, Kyle, Andrew, Alex, Jake, Erin, Sarah, Rebecca, Hannah, Daniel and Jillian; and his great grandchildren, Sam, Mila, Bjorn and Baron.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22nd 2026 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home (1313 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013). A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 23rd 2026 at 9:00 AM at the St. Paul R. C. Church (124 Union Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011). A burial will be held on Saturday, May 23rd 2026 at 10:45 AM at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (52 Totowa Rd, Totowa, NJ 07512).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Clifton Education Foundation at http://www.cliftoneducationfoundation.org.
It's with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elisa Kolenut of Weichert, Kinnelon, NJ.
Wake: Friday, January 23, from 4:00–8:00 PM
Funeral Service: Saturday, January 24, at 9:30 AM
Burial to follow at Fairview Memorial Cemetery
VanderPlaat Vermeulen Funeral Home: 530 High Mountain Road, Franklin Lakes
We at the board, extend our heartfelt condolences to the Kolenut's family and friends.
It's with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paulette Faulknor of C-21 Elite Realty, Parsippany, NJ.
We at the board, extend our heartfelt condolences to the Faulknor's family and friends.
It's with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tracey Boyd of Tracey Boyd Realty, West Orange, NJ.
Service will be held at Perry Funeral Home, 34 Mercer Street, Newark, NJ 07103 on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, with a viewing from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and the service beginning at 12 noon. Family and friends are invited to gather in love and remembrance.
We at the board, extend our heartfelt condolences to the Boyd's family and friends.
Richard Castronova, 69, of West Milford, passed away on Aug. 24, 2025.
Born June 12, 1956, in New York City to John and Grace (Fleming) Castronova, Richard moved to West Milford at age 5. He attended Our Lady Queen of Peace School, graduated from West Milford High School in 1974, and remained a devoted parish usher until his passing.
Richard and his wife, Marion (Laino) Castronova, raised their family in West Milford, where he helped run Mountain View Farms and Valley View Pub. He later worked as a rural mail carrier and custodian with the West Milford Board of Education.
He is survived by Marion; children Richard and Danielle; daughter-in-law Autumn; grandchildren McKenna, Giovanna, and Levi; and siblings Thomas, Susan, and Steven. He was predeceased by his son John, his brother John, and his parents.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 28, from 4–8 p.m. at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Rd., West Milford. A funeral Mass will follow Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Hewitt, with interment at Warwick Cemetery, N.Y.
It is with profound sorrow and deep respect that we announce the passing of our beloved Realtor Associate, colleague and friend, Grace Cason, affectionately known to many as “Million Dollar Grace.”
Grace passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, integrity, and extraordinary grace that has touched so many lives within our BHHS Jordan Baris family and beyond.
A viewing will be held at 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 PM on Friday, June 13th, 2025, at Whigham Funeral Home, 580 Martin Luther King Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102.
Grace joined BHHS Jordan Baris in 1986, and for over nearly four decades, she exemplified professionalism, dedication, and selflessness. She was lovingly given the nickname “Million Dollar Grace” by Ken Baris in the 1990s — not only for her consistent success and sales achievements, but for the richness of her character and the value she brought to every client and colleague.
Her humility, genuine interest in others, and that ever-present smile made Grace a treasured presence in all our lives.
We at the board, extend our heartfelt condolences to the Cason family and friends.
In Loving Memory of John Franklin Brueske.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Brueske, owner of Agent Photos Online, LLC, and a treasured member of the NCJAR family.
John Franklin Brueske, 64, of Janesville, Wisconsin completed his final road trip on April 25, 2025. Born on August 30, 1960, in Red Wing, Minnesota to Franklin and Rose Brueske. John was a born explorer whose curiosity about the world and the people around him never diminished throughout his life.
John graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a degree in communications. He was an American photographer whose work is held in private collections throughout the United States and Europe. John was self-taught with additional training coming from his father. He also studied photography while attending the University of Wisconsin. John was the owner of Agent Photos Online, LLC and the founding member of the band the Tenants.
Throughout his career, John donated photographs to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
The open road was John's true passion. His life was marked by countless road trips. He traveled and lived extensively throughout the United States. John's incredible talent, warm smile and infectious sense of humor brought joy to everyone whether it was a one-time interaction at his favorite gas station or a long-time friend or colleague.
John's legacy will live on through the thousands of memories he captured, reminding us to smile, laugh, and cherish every moment.
A memorial road trip is being planned by the family and a private celebration of John's life will be held later this year.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John Brueske Memorial Fund, Beal Funeral Homes, Inc, PO Box 266, New Glarus, Wi 53574.
John captured his final picture at the Harbor in Kenosha Wisconsin near Lake Michigan. As a final image, it suggests a legacy of light and direction, standing tall even after the photographer's journey has ended, offering a beacon of memory and inspiration.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to John’s family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
William "Bill" Owen Keleher, Jr., 76, of West Palm Beach, FL, passed away peacefully at home on April 20, 2025. Born October 25, 1948, in Kansas City, MO, Bill led a life marked by integrity, ambition, and deep love for his family.
A graduate of Rockhurst High School and Old Dominion University—where he played basketball on scholarship—Bill also served in the Navy Reserve and played guitar in a college band. He began his real estate career in 1970, eventually founding and leading Berkshire Hathaway Home Services New Jersey Properties to statewide success. He retired in 2023 as Chairman, leaving a legacy of excellence and mentorship.
Admired for his humility and generosity, Bill cherished his role as “Poppy” to his large and loving family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jeanette; children Louis (Debbie) and Beth (Dale); goddaughter Jacqueline (Gene); grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and seven siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents.
An avid golfer and community advocate, Bill supported the Sunshine Kids Foundation and was a member of Stanton Ridge and The Club at Ibis. His presence uplifted everyone he met.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 18, 2–6 p.m. at Stanton Ridge Country Club, Whitehouse Station, NJ. Please come share your fond memories.
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Margaret Anne "Peggy" Lefsky, who died peacefully at home on Sunday, April 13, 2025, surrounded by the love she cultivated throughout her life. Peggy, 79, showed extraordinary courage during her long battle with ALS, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and unwavering kindness.
Peggy’s 45-year career in real estate was marked by excellence, consistently ranking among the top agents in New Jersey. She found true purpose in guiding clients to their homes and formed lasting friendships along the way, continuing to work even through her illness. Before settling in New Jersey, she worked as a pediatric nurse and a receptionist, where she met Hal. Peggy is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Hal; her children Betsy, Lawrence, and Danny; grandchildren Connor, Cassidy, and Teagan; her sister Anne; and her many nieces, nephews, and loyal pup Mack.
Peggy's family will be sitting shiva on Tuesday, April 15th from 2:00PM-7:00PM and Wednesday, April 16th from 2:00 PM-7:00 PM at their home. A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834 (www.normandean.com), followed by a Celebration of Life at the Lake Arrowhead Community Club from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12 Lakewood Drive, Denville, NJ 07834.
It's with great sadness that we announce the passing of Romildo "Rick" Ricciardelli, Premier Properties Damiano Group, Little Falls.
Rick dedicated much of his life to public service, serving as Police Commissioner, Planning Board Member, Councilman, and Mayor of Little Falls. He was also a prominent business owner of Passaic Valley Tire and also Passaic Valley Realty in Little Falls. He has been a real estate broker for 20 plus years with Premier Properties – The Damiano Group.
His commitment to improving Little Falls and his leadership in the community will not be forgotten. He worked tirelessly to improve the town, and his passion for local development was matched by his commitment to mentoring young people, especially those interested in real estate and local politics. His loss will be felt by countless individuals who knew him.
A Memorial Mass in celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Church, Little Falls. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls. Memories and condolences may be shared at gaitamh.com.
Donations in his memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, N.Y. 10306 or visit t2t.org/donate/.
