Bronx Town Crier

02/19/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Charles McLaughlin.

(Family written obituary) Charles Joseph McLaughlin was born in Bronxville, NY on July 7, 1930 to his parents, John and Margaret. His brother Jack was also born in the United States before the family moved back to Greencastle in County Donegal, Ireland. The family grew to include brothers James, Joseph, and Patrick and sisters Margaret and Eileen. When Joseph died at a young age after an illness, the family raised a cousin, Mary, following the death of her parents, with the rest of the children.

Charles returned to the US and entered the Army on March 26, 1953, earning a bronze star during the Korean Conflict, before being honorably discharged on March 27, 1956. After leaving the service, he took a job with Western Union, where he remained, becoming a supervisor, until his retirement in 1996.

Charles married Lillie McNulty (McLaughlin) on October 19, 1968, and the couple moved to the Throgs Neck section of The Bronx in 1972. Their only child, John, was born on April 5, 1980. They remained together until Lillie’s passing on September 25, 2012.

Charles was an easy going, gentle man, who enjoyed traveling, loved his family, and highly valued his relationship with Jesus and the Catholic Church.

Charles Joseph McLaughlin is survived by his brothers Jack, Jim, and Pat, his sisters Peggy and Eileen, his son John, his daughter-in-law Blanca, and his grandchildren Darwin, Zully, Axel, and Zaray, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was beloved by all and will be greatly missed.

The funeral arrangements are as follows: the Wake will be held Thursday (2/19) from 3-7pm at Schuyler Hill Funeral Home; and the Funeral Mass will be held on Friday (2/20) at 10am at St. Frances de Chantal.

My deepest condolences to the family. May Charles Rest in Peace. Thank you Sir for your Service to our Country.

02/18/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Phil Baldessarre.

(Family written obituary) Philip Baldessarre passed away on February 14, 2026, at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY. He was 60 years old. Son of Giuseppe and Bruna (DiBello) Baldessarre, he was born on September 3, 1965, in Bronx, NY.

Philip was a Telecommunications Technical Associate for Verizon Communications in Nanuet, NY, and was a proud member of Sacred Heart-St. Patrick’s Church in Highland Mills, NY.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Valentina Baldessarre, of Highland Mills, NY; parents, Giuseppe and Bruna Baldessarre, of Bronx, NY; sons, Joseph, Thomas, and Daniel Baldessarre, all of Highland Mills, NY; siblings, Luigi Baldessarre and his wife, Donna, of Yorktown Heights, NY; and Joann Baldessarre and Michael, of Bronx, NY; and by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush Funeral Home, 117 Maple Ave., Monroe, NY. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Sacred Heart Church, 26 Still Rd., Monroe, NY. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, https://www.michaeljfox.org/

My deepest condolences to the family. May Phil Rest in Peace.

02/18/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Stella Bizekis.

(Family written obituary) Stella was born in the picturesque village of Stenimachos, Greece, on the outskirts of Naoussa. At just 20 years old, she left her home, knowing not a word of English, to seek a new life in the United States. There, she became a seamstress, diligently sending money back to support her family.

In 1962, Stella returned to Greece and met the love of her life, Stergios. They married on September 23, 1962, and together embarked on a brave journey back to the United States, initially settling in Washington Heights.

In 1968, Stella and Stergios moved to the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx, becoming devoted members of Zoodohos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church. Their children—Haeda, Olympia, Helen, and Costa—attended Sunday School regularly, absorbing the values of faith and community. Stella took immense pride in her children’s accomplishments, always encouraging them with her quiet strength and unwavering love.

Though America became her adopted home, Stella never forgot her Greek roots. She stood by Stergios in his lifelong commitment to the Naoussian Society, and their home became a vibrant hub of joy and hospitality. Weekends often overflowed with family and friends from Naoussa, filled with laughter, delicious meals prepared by Stella, and dancing that created lasting memories.

As they thrived in the United States, Stella played a crucial role in bringing numerous family members over, offering them support and a fresh start. Her sisters—Anastasia, Kyriaki, Maria, and Eleni—and her brother Niko held her in the highest regard, a respect that endures to this day. Her nieces and nephews will always remember her as the greatest aunt, ready with kind words and helping hands.

Cherished mother to her four children, Stella was blessed with her devoted daughter-in-law, Antonia, and her sons-in-law, George, Stefanos, and Harry

Stella’s greatest joy came from caring for her grandchildren—Efrosyni, George, Christos, Stellios, Stella, and Panayiota. They knew that Yiayia always had treats, hugs, and stories waiting for them during visits, filling their lives with her boundless affection.

We take solace in knowing that Stella has been reunited with her beloved husband, along with her brother Giorgios and her sisters Kyriaki and Eleni. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy of kindness, devotion to family, and quiet grace will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 4:00PM - 8:00PM at Zoodohos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church; and the Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 10:45AM - 11:45AM at Zoodohos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church.

My very deepest condolences to the family. May Stella Rest in Peace

02/16/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Edmund Donovan.

(Family written obituary) Edmund J. Donovan, 79, passed away on February 11, 2026 surrounded by his family. He lived in and loved the community of Throggs Neck.

Ed taught Physics, Earth Science and Driver's Ed for 40 years at Salesian High School. He served the Throggs Neck Community for greater than 40 years with the Auxiliary Police at the 45th precinct attaining the prestigious rank of Captain. He was lovingly known as "The Colonel" a rank he achieved with the National Guard Auxiliary. He was involved in many more organizations including the Knights of Columbus and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Ed loved Irish music, Doo W*p, tea and toast, and all things military. Ed was preceded in death by his parents John and Bridie, his adopted parents Mary and James Holcroft, his siblings Peggy, Sissy, and Donnie and by his wife Florence. He is survived by his four children: Edmund (Meghan), Matthew (Stephanie), Katie (Rob), and Sean (Casey). He also leaves behind six loving grandchildren: Connor, Emma (Dizzy), Troy, Lily, Reilly, and Paige.

It is with a heavy heart we say goodbye to a Bronx legend. The Colonel is once again dancing with Flo to the "12th of Never" in the great ballroom in the sky.

My very deepest condolences to the family. The funeral arrangements are as follows: the Wake will be Monday (2/16) from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Schuyler Hill Funeral Home; and the Funeral Mass will be Tuesday (2/17) at 10:30 am at St. Benedict's Church. May Ed Rest in Peace.

02/10/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Tom McShane.

(Family written obituary) Thomas Joseph McShane, beloved son of Thomas and Mary (née McNamara), was born on July 29, 1943, in Washington, D.C., while his father was stationed there with the FBI. Tom was the second of seven children. He was predeceased by his parents; his sisters and their husbands, Mary Ann (Vic) and Patricia (Peter) Sturiano; and his younger brother, Jimmy.

Tom later moved to the Bronx, spending his childhood summers in Breezy Point, where his love of beach communities began. He attended St. Helena’s Grammar School in the Bronx, then spent three years at Cathedral High School while studying in the seminary, before graduating from Cardinal Hayes High School and attending Pace College. His wife, Joan, was also a lifelong Bronx resident. They were married in May 1969 and together raised four children on City Island—a place Tom would lovingly refer to as “God’s Country.” A “Clam Digger” at heart, he was immensely proud to be part of that close-knit community and cherished the life they built there together.

Tom was a devout Catholic and active member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church

where he faithfully served as an usher for 25 years.

Anyone who knew Tom knew how deeply he loved his country. He was honored to serve in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969 as a member of the First Air Cavalry Division. He was equally proud of his family, the home he built for them, and his long career with the United States Postal Service. Tom retired as Manager of Distribution Operations at the Morgan Processing and Distribution Center in New York City—one of the largest facilities in the nation.

Tom was the very picture of patriotism and will forever be remembered wearing his Vietnam cap, his bright blue eyes shining above a smile so big it was contagious. He honored the flag and everything it stood for. A longtime member of the Leonard H. Hawkins Post 156 of the American Legion, Tom proudly celebrated American holidays and traditions—often with a Diet Coke in hand, always making sure to sign the book and never missing a chance to join a pool. A lasting reminder of Tom’s devotion stands just outside: a flag repository placed at his request to ensure Old Glory is always retired with the respect it deserves.

Tom will be remembered by his family and many dear friends as a larger-than-life presence whose quick wit, courage, strength, determination, and bravery were matched only by his warmth and infectious smile, which could light up any room. A man of integrity with an unwavering moral compass, he accepted people for who they were, offering kindness, humor, and respect without judgment. He lives on through countless fond stories shared by those who loved him.

He leaves behind those who loved him dearly: his devoted wife of 57 years, Joan; his son, Tommy (Tuesday); his daughters, Mary (Rory), Kate (Joe), and Joanne (John); and his beloved grandchildren, Rory (Kaitlyn), Colin, and Aedan Finn, Vivienne Chera, and Kevin, Tommy, and Jack Hession. He is also survived by his brothers, Vinnie (Judy), John (Audrey), and Joseph (Ginny); along with his cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and his extended Finn, Chera, and Hession families. Tom was deeply grateful for his lifelong friends who became family and enriched his life in immeasurable ways.

After fighting valiantly for over a year, Tom passed away on February 7, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family. He will be missed more than words can express—he was truly one in a million.

My deepest condolences to the family. May Tom Rest in Peace. Thank you for your b Service to our Country.

01/30/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Vicky Klimowich.

The funeral arrangements are as follows: the Wake will be held on Friday (1/30) from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Schuyler Hill Funeral Home; and the Funeral Mass will be held Saturday (1/31) at the First Lutheran Church.

My deepest condolences to the family. May Vicky Rest in Peace.

01/30/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Patricia Ann Sullivan Kearns.

(Family written obituary) Patricia gained her wings and was welcomed into Jesus’s care on January 27, 2026.

Patricia was a Bronx resident born February 4, 1961. Patricia was predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sullivan, and her Husband Kenneth M. Kearns. Patricia is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Todd and Patricia Tompkins, and her nephews, Michael Fiore and Brendan Fiore, her dear friend, who was also her medical assistant and a light in Pat’s life, James Monaghan. Patricia’s Aunts, Geraldine Cameron, Cathy Marrinan, and Patricia’s cousins, Billy Cameron, Kathleen Kutner, Kelly Hennessey, Kenneth Hennessey, and Geri Hennessey.

Patricia, A/K/A Pat, became a nurse after graduating from Lehman College in June of 1983. She started her career as a proud Nurse at Albert Einstein/ Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, which lasted close to 40 years. Most of her career was spent in Critical Care, where she displayed countless examples of compassion and dedication. Patricia was always there to lend a hand and always put her patients first

On October 26th, 2002, Patricia married the Love of her Life, Kenneth M. Kearns. They were married in St. Claire's Church, Bronx, NY. They were married for 21 years until Kenneth’s passing.

Many of Pat’s friends remember her as a quiet, reserved person who had a passion for cats and chocolate, was loved by all, and was helpful. Memories of Pat from childhood friends say she was generous, always had her own opinions, and had a smile that lit up her face. Sometimes she was shy and quiet. As her sister-in-Law, Pat was quiet, very caring and loving, always worried about me and our family. Even in the worst of times, Pat always smiled and maintained her witty personality.

A celebration of Patricia’s life will take place on Friday January 30th, 2026, at Schuyler Funeral Home located at 3535 East Tremont Ave Bronx, NY with viewing hours from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by a Mass at St. Benedicts Church, 2969 Otis Avenue, Bronx NY at 10:30 am, immediately following, we will have a Curbside burial service at St. Raymonds cemetery at 11:30. Those who wish to join us, we will be holding a luncheon after the cemetery service at Rory Dolan’s, at 12:30, located at 890 McLean Avenue Yonkers NY 10704.

Pat always loved animals. In place of flowers, you may make a memorial donation to the ASPCA.

My deepest condolence to the family. May Pat Rest in Peace.

View Patricia Sullivan Kearns (Sullivan)'s complete obituary, share memories, and explore 3 tribute posts from the community.

01/28/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Helen Byrne.

(Family written obituary) Helen spent the early years of her life in the South Bronx with her parents Peter (Roscommon) and Bridget (Waterford) and her six siblings. Helen is survived by her sister Margaret and is predeceased by siblings, Ann O'Connor Mary Stoker Patrick Peter and James. The family went to school and celebrated Mass at St Luke's on 138th Street, a short walk from their home.

Later in life, Helen had a brief career with the NYPD, but due to budget cuts she was laid off in 1975. Helen would then get a position with the board of education which would last the next 20 plus years.

During those years Helen married Jim Byrne and they would have three children Ellen, Joe and Cecilia. Helen and Jim had bought a fixer upper in the Silver Beach section of the Bronx neighborhood that Helen was very, very proud of. It was impossible to visit Helen without her taking you for a walk on Indian trail and talking to all the neighbors along the way.

Helen loved her family; she especially loved her grandchildren and all her nieces and nephews. Helen loved dogs and enjoyed working on her house.

Helen had the gift of the gab and could talk to anybody, and you never knew what she was going to say next, but you had to be careful if she disagreed with you, she would throw an imaginary hand gr***de in your direction.

Even a short visit to Helen's meant "splitting a couple beers" and hearing her sing classic Irish songs. Helen was a real Bronx gem she will be missed.

The funeral arrangements are as follows: the Wake will be held on Friday (1/30) from 8-9am at Schuyler Hill Funeral Home; and the Funeral Mass will be held on Friday (1/30) at 10am at St. Frances de Chantal Church.

My very deepest condolences to the family. May Helen Rest in Peace. Thank you for your Service to our City.

01/22/2026

Help Support the Bronx St. Patrick's Day Parade in Throggs Neck, take a page in Commemorative Parade Journal. See attached Flyer for more details.

We are excited to introduce our 2026 Grand Marshals – Anne Myers and Jimmy Dorrian, and the Honorary Grand Marshals whose lives we will celebrate posthumously.

Anne Myers has been devoted to the St. Benedict’s Church Choirs for 45 years. A celebrated international opera singer, she has performed at Carnegie Hall and on stages around the world, before settling down at the Parish she calls home. Anne and her husband raised their two children in Pelham Bay and by extension, the choirs also became a part of her family. As Music Director, Anne has spent decades making beautiful music with the Adult and Children’s Choirs, leaving a lasting impact on parishioners through the music ministry.

At the upcoming Parade, Jimmy Dorrian will be celebrating his 95th Birthday and a storied lifetime in the Bronx. He grew up the 2nd of 5 children to Irish parents, and his love of soccer began young. Jimmy won championships in several leagues, which led to him playing on the 1956 U.S. Olympic Soccer team in Australia. He also coached many teams - most notably, Mount Saint Michael’s High School team for 28 years. Jimmy was also instrumental in setting up the local AFC Rapids Soccer League, and he and his wife May raised their 6 children in Throggs Neck, where they owned and operated Hansen's Deli.

The 2026 Honorary Grand Marshals are:

Eileen Babcock-Kane
William “Billy” Britt
Thomas Brogan
Phyllis Carew
Kevin Cassidy
Catherine Christie
John Dalton
Harry Dennis
Bob Forsberg
Jimmy Hession
Jimmy Higgins
Chip Hiney
Patrick Keary
Estelle Marra
Alan William Maurer
Diane Dinaso Mulcahy
Joe O’Connor
Kathleen O’Connor
Danny Savino
Bobby Stokes

01/18/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Thomas Monaghan.

(Family written obituary) Thomas Christopher Monaghan, age 74 of Hammonton, NJ passed away peacefully Friday January 9, 2026 at his residence. He was born in the Bronx, NYC in 1951 to a father Thomas Leo Monaghan who was then in the US Army, and his mother Edna Frances (nee Dorritie) Monaghan.

Tom had a happy childhood. His love of music led him to learn to play guitar and compose songs. Tom's happiest memories are playing in a group called "The Loose Ends", throughout the Bronx area. He attended Cardinal Spellman HS and graduated St. Vincent's College at St. John's University.

Tom married Theresa Buble and they had one son Thomas William Monaghan. He worked for 26 years as an install/repair technician for MaBell. When he retired in 2006 from Verizon he decided to resettle and spend his senior years in Hammonton. He joined the Hammonton Canoe Club in 2015 and served in various capacities as a director, President, and Treasurer for 10 years. While there he made many friendships and good memories.

Tom is survived by his son Thomas W. Monaghan (Keirston Elman) and siblings James Monaghan (Ana) and Arlene Turino (Michael). Loving Grandfather of Thomas Leo Monaghan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thomas's memory to the Hammonton Canoe Club 100 Central Ave, Hammonton, NJ 08037

My deepest condolences to the family. May Tom Rest in Peace.

01/15/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Raymond Connelly.

(Family written obituary) Raymond Joseph Connelly, Jr., 76, died January 12, 2026, from complications related to Alzheimer's disease. He was born on July 28, 1949, to Raymond and Margaret (Sheehan) Connelly. Ray grew up in the Bronx, NY, in a devout Irish-Catholic family with his seven siblings. A lifelong New York Yankees fan, he carried that loyalty with him always.

Ray attended Iona College and began his career as a teacher with the Christian Brothers. After several years, he went into sales, a path that took him on adventures around the world. He later made his home with his first wife, Maureen, in Atlanta, GA, where he had two daughters and, through his children, developed a deep love for the game of soccer. He volunteered for more than 20 years as a coach, referee, and league administrator with Georgia Soccer and at the Paideia School, giving generously of his time to support young athletes and the broader community.

In his next chapter, Ray became an elementary school teacher of English as a Second Language. For two decades he served children from a wide variety of backgrounds, bringing dependability and steady encouragement to his classroom.

In retirement, he completed a master's degree in social work at the University of Georgia, living out his belief that it's never too late to reflect and grow. He was proud to be part of the Bulldog family.

A skilled amateur chef, Ray got his start behind the grill at Waffle House and was happiest when feeding others. He loved experimenting with new recipes and showed his affection for family and friends by preparing and sharing meals with them, which often included his perfect apple tart. He was also an avid reader, especially of Michael Connelly novels. Ray's long-term sobriety was one of his quietest and greatest accomplishments.

Ray will be deeply missed by his family and friends. The family is particularly grateful to Respite Care Atlanta for their loving care, support, and friendship, which brought him great comfort and joy.

Ray is survived by his wife and devoted partner of more than 30 years, Sharron Safriet; daughters Meghan Rhodes and Erin Cervino; daughters by marriage Christine Safriet and Sara Beth Safriet; grandchildren Emma Grace, Patrick and Reagan, and Mabel and Otis; and siblings Maureen Dowling, Thomas Connelly, Margaret Munch, Karen Burhmeister (Kasey Connelly), and Christopher Connelly. He was preceded in death by sisters Patricia Chirles and Regina Sullivan.

A wake will be held on Friday, January 23 from 4 pm to 7 pm. Services will be held on Saturday, January 24, at 1:30 pm at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home in Decatur, GA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Respite Care Atlanta (https://www.respitecareatlanta.org/) or to the Integrated Memory Care Clinic at Emory University (https://www.nursing.emory.edu/imc).

My deepest condolences to the family. May Ray Rest in Peace.

01/13/2026

With regret, I inform you of the passing of Rita Carteris.

(Family written obituary) Rita Joan Carteris was born in the Bronx to Helen and James Butler, who had both immigrated to the United States from Ireland. She was the last surviving sibling of their 6 children (Mary Thompson, James Butler, Helen Zeiss, Teresa McNamara, and her twin Eugene who died in infancy).

In 1951 she married George Carteris who predeceased her in 2022. Together they raised three children, George, Robert and Janet.

Rita initially worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance, and then later as an attendant to disabled children in the New York City School System.

Religion was an important part of her daily life. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Benedict's Church, Bronx New York, whose grammar school she graduated from in 1945. She also graduated from Cathedral High School in 1949.

Rita loved to travel to beach destinations, especially the Gulf Coast of Florida and Virginia Beach.

Rita is survived by her children, George Carteris (Karen), Robert Carteris (Patricia) and Janet Forbes (John); her grandchildren Kelly Carteris (Robbie Brittigan), Kristi Forbes (Jon Hood), Jamie Forbes (Flaviu Andreescu) and Ryan Carteris; and her great-grandchildren Grayson, Blake, Guenevieve and Noah. She was also blessed to share her life with many devoted and loving nieces and nephews including Jimmy Thompson (Terry), Cathy McNulty (Mac), Eileen Bodeker (Stephen), Lorraine Devine (Kevin), Maureen Whelan (John), Helene Parisi (James), Philip Zeiss (Lorraine), Robert Zeiss (Maureen), Laurie Darcey (Robert), Jeanne Butler, Donna Burke (James), Joseph McNamara (Marilyn), John McNamara (Ellen), and Kristin Sokich (Kristen).

The funeral arrangements are as follows: the Wake will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026
3:00PM - 7:00PM at Sisto Funeral Home; and the Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 9:30AM at Saint Benedict's Church.

My deepest condolences to the family. May Rita Rest in Peace.