The Courier-News from Bridgewater, New Jersey • Page 11

COURIER NEWS MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2004 B-3 OBITUARIES World War II veteran Gasper 'Larry' Tronco, 82, WATGHUNG Gasper "Larry" Tronco, 82, died Saturday (Jan. 3, 2004) at Morristown Hospital in Morristown. Mr. Tronco was born in New York City and raised in Jersey City. He was a former resident of Florida and Bayonne before moving to Watchung one year ago.

Larry served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942 to 1946. He retired as manager of Hudson Jewelry of New York City. He was a communicant of St. Joseph R.C.

Church in North Plainfield. Surviving are his wife, Mary Yurechko Tronco; one son, Larry Michael Tronco of Watchung; Patricia Petti, 58, devout Christian BOUND BROOK Patricia (Patty) L. Petti, 58, died Sunday (Jan. 4, 2004) at Somerset Medical Center. Patty was born in Bound Brook and had been a lifelong resident.

A devout Christian, she will be remembered by all for her generous nature and unconditional kindness. Patty was an adoring wife to her husband, Erminio (Vindy) Petti; and a loving mother to her children, Audrey and her husband, Joseph R. Canonica, Yvonne and her husband, Thomas Tarulli, Erminio V. Petti and Vincenzo Petti. Also surviving are her mother, Pearl Luise; her sister, Shirley Rucki; and her three grandchildren, Jacklyn Fisher Tarulli, Joseph E.

Canonica and Nicholas V. Canonica. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the funeral 10:30 a.m. Wednesday from the Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home, 225 Mountain Bound Brook followed by an 11 a.m. funeral liturgy at St.

Joseph Church, Bound Brook. Interment in Bound Brook Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Marie Santucci, 80, formerly of North Plainfield Vincent Piacquadio, 95, loved gardening MIDDLESEX Vincent Piacquadio, 95, of Middlesex died Sunday (Jan. 4, 2004) with his family by his side at St. Peter's Medical Center, New Brunswick. Born in Raritan, he lived in Plainfield before moving to Middlesex in 1985. In 1973, Mr.

Piacquadio retired from the Jersey Central Railroad. He recently retired from the Shackamaxon Country Club where he was "head gardener" for the past 23 years. Mr. Piacquadio had a great love for gardening and was also responsible for the Victory Garden at the Middlesex Senior Center. He was a member of the Our Lady of Mt.

Virgin Seniors, the Middlesex Seniors, the North Plainfield Italian American Club and the Brotherhood of Railroads. He was a former member of Raritan Hose 2 Fire Company. Mr. Piacquadio was predeceased by his wife, Josephine Piacquadio. Surviving are two daughters and a son-in-law, Josephine Bracey of Middlesex and Ginny and Anthony Tumolo, of Middlesex; five grandchildren, Richard, Daniel and Nancy Bracey and Jennifer and Anthony Tumolo; seven great-grandchildren, Ryan, Daniel, Jacob, Luke, Beth Ann, Jaclyn, and Samantha Jo.

Friends and family may gather 8 a.m. Wednesday at the Middlesex Funeral Home, 528 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex, for a 9 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Virgin R.C. Church, Middlesex.

Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. For more information, please feel free to contact the funeral home at (732) 968-3377.

Donald R. Dukinas, 76, laboratory technician LORIS, S.C. Mr. Donald R. Dukinas, 76, died Tuesday (Dec.

30, 2003) at Loris Hospital in Loris, S.C, following an illness. Born May 15, 1927, in Wyoming. Mr. Dukinas was the son or the late John Dukinas and the late Florence Skalski Dukinas. Mr.

Dukinas retired as a laboratory technician after 20 years at Johnson Johnson, Ethicon division. He was previously also employed for 20 years at Johns Manville Research. Survivors include his former wife, Dawn Dukinas of Piscataway; two daughters, Gayle Hef-fernan and her husband, Michael. Bonnie Charkowick and her husband, Frank, all of Middlesex; one sister, Marie Dukinas of Aldan, and five grandchildren, Scott, Carissa and Kyle Buono and John and Patrick Heffernan. Mr.

Dukinas was cremated in South Carolina. A private family service will take place in the near future. Trio's book uses older pictures to relay history By RAVTYA ISMAIL Gannett New Jersey SP0TSW00D Black and white images of young women stare up from the matted cover of a book. The women are dressed to play softball, and with soft smiles on their faces, hold mitts and balls in their hands. "Turns out this woman still lives in Spotswood," said Bruce Eckman, pointing her out in the picture.

"We didn't know it at the time." Eckman is part of a trio rounded out by Jack Eichenlaub and Roy Dey Jr. The three are Spotswood residents and passionate about the borough they call home. Eichenlaub moved to the borough when he was just five, and Eckman and Dey were born and raised in the town. Their mutual love for the town brought the three friends together to begin what is now their completed product: A pictorial history of Spotswood. "Jack and Bruce had been working on it, and one of the guys approached me," said Dey, a retired borough police officer who at the time was working on a pictorial history of the Spotswood police department.

"I've done a lot of genealogy work on my family," Eichenlaub said. "I've wanted to do something nice for the town, and a lot of people moving into the town don't know the history." The process began more than two years ago, when the friends put out a call for pictures taken during the late 19th century to the 1970s. Most of the photos were acquired through the Spotswood Office on Aging. "People won't give up their photos, but they brought them in to be scanned," Eckman said. To get the book published, they approached the Arcadia Publishing company, a firm known to specialize in pictorial histories of towns.

"We didn't realize we were going to be doing 99 percent of (organizing the book), Dey said. The 128-page book contains only black and white photos and captions with names of photographed people and descriptions of photographed scenes. There are 12 chapters with each chapter having a tide. Chapters include ones for schools, churches, uniformed services, parades, streets, roads, bridges and other aspects of the borough. There are 900 copies of the book printed, and so far between 500 and 600 copies have been sold.

Copies are available at Ace Hard-ware Store on Main Street, Snowhill Discount Liquors, the Spotswood Public Library and Brian's Lawnmower Saws Sales Service. Most of the profits of the pictorial book will be absorbed by the publishing company. "It wasn't about the money," Eichenlaub said. "I think about it as a labor of love." EASTON, Pa. Marie Santucci, 80, died Saturday (Jan.

3, 2004) at her home in Easton, Pa. Born in New York City, she lived in North Plainfield for 50 years before moving to Easton in 2002. Mrs. Santucci was employed as a mortgage originator with Queen City Savings Bank in Plainfield, then First Atlantic Savings Bank in South Plain-field, before retiring in 1988. She was a member of the North Plainfield Senior Citizens and the Italian American Club in North Plainfield.

She was predeceased by her Jacqueline Procini Ozoa, bookkeeper PLAINFIELD Jacqueline Procini Ozoa, 55, died Saturday (Jan. 3, 2004) at her home. Born in Pasadena, she was raised in Plainfield and lived in South Plainfield many years before moving to Plainfield six years ago. Jacqueline was a bookkeeper for Roma Food Corp. of Piscat-away.

She was a communicant of Sacred Heart R.C. Church in South Plainfield. She was predeceased by her mother, Helen Gabruk Procini, in 1999. Surviving are her father, John P. Procini of South Plainfield; a daughter, Danielle Danko of Toms River; and two grandchildren, Mhya and Isabella.

Services will begin 9 a.m. Wednesday from the Scarpa Funeral Home, 22 Craig Place, North Plainfield, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart R.C. Church, South Plainfield. Burial in St.

Joseph Cemetery, Toms River. Visiting hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Hiesday at the funeral home. One of the Nation's Leading Full Service Florists We Deliver Locally and Around the World Peter G.Dowling, 70, taught Russian SAN ANTONIO, Fla. Peter G.

Dowling, 70, died Friday (Jan. 2, 2004). Surviving are his wife, Norma; daughter, Claudia Burzichelli of Bridgewater; son, John Dowling of Vineland; and two grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial 1p.m. Tuesday at St.

Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Arrangements by Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City, Fla. Officials From Page B-1 council seat by 16 votes in a recount, will be the first Hispanic to serve on the council since Isidoro Garcia, who served as a councilman 10 years ago, according to Ryan. In a short speech, Vasquez thanked his family and supporters. I figure my experience will definitely be an asset for the town," he said after the reorganization meeting.

Vasquez has a master's degree in business and a bachelor's degree in computer engineering. He worked at for eight years. The most important issues Vasquez said he wants to pursue include rebuilding Main Street, integrating the Hispanic community which Ryan said makes up about 30 percent of the borough and bringing more businesses to town. Ryan said he looks forward to working with Vasquez. "I hope that he would be a beacon for the Latinos in the town," he said after the meeting.

Anna Bakalis can be reached at (908) 707-3186 or BITUARIES Special tributes purchased by family and friends lb place an obituary: Fax (908) 722-1126 Monday to Friday 9 am to 7 pm Saturday to Sunday 3 to 7 pm You also may call (908) 707-3177 during those hours For Billing Inquiries please call (908) 707-3050 To place an in memoriam or card of thanks: Call (908) 707-3029, 3188 or 3037 (Muit be received 3 days prior to publication) Beatrice Marie Wilson.83, formerly of Bridgewater PECKVILLE, Pa. Beatrice Marie Wilson, 83, died Friday (Jan. 2, 2004) at the Taylor Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Taylor, Pa. Born is Somerville, she was the daughter of the late William and Anna Handville. She had been a former resident of Bridge-water since 1948, moving to Peckville, in 1996.

Mrs. Wilson was employed as a secretary and doctor's assistant in the Somerville area from 1938 to 1944. She was a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville. Mrs. Wilson was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and the Red Cross.

She was a former Girl Scout leader for Rolling Hills Council, Troop 9, Bridgewater. Mrs. Wilson was predeceased by her husband, Clifford Wilson, in 1996. Surviving are her daughter, Betsy Kondrat and her husband, Joseph, of Peckville, her son, Clifford Wilson III of Bridgewater; her brother, William Dewey Handville of Dexter, Maine; and two grandchildren, Stephen and Carolyn Kondrat. Arrangements by Cusick Funeral Home, Somerville.

Frank Maimone, 88, accountant PLAINFIELD Frank Maimone, 88, died Friday (Jan. 2, 2004) at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield. Born in Manhattan, Frank resided in Brooklyn and in Rosedale, Queens, for many years before settling in Plainfield in the early 1900s. Frank had been employed as an accountant for the Veteran's Administration in Manhattan and was previously employed by Caswell-Massey, also of Manhattan. A veteran of World War II, he was a member of the Somerville Veterans of Foreign Wars and the South Plainfield Knights of Columbus Council 6203.

He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus in Brooklyn. Frank was predeceased by his wife, Jennie (nee Sacco) in September of 2003; his son, Joseph, in 1999; his sister, Evelyn Blinder; and his brother, Fred. Surviving are his daughter, Rosalie Maimone of Plainfield; his daughter-in-law, Janet Maimone; his grandson, Jonathan; his brother-in-law, Harry of Florida; and his sister, Palmira Mirando of the Bronx. Funeral services will be 9 a.m. Tuesday in the McCriskin Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield South Plainfield, followed by a 10 a.m.

funeral Mass in St. Bartholomew's R.C. Church, Scotch Plains. Interment in Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m.

and 7 to 9 p.m. today in the funeral home. It's Important to Plan Ahead Hillside Cemetery Scotch Plains 908.756.1729 non-profit, non-sectarian www.hillsidccemctcry.com RENTALS SALES REPAIRS SURGICAL 627 Park Avenue Plainfield, NJ Monday-Friday: Saturday Hours: 908-756-7074 1-800-287-1793 V-- one sister, Louise Spink of Jersey City; two grandchildren, Larry H. Tronco and Mary C. Goldman; and three greatgrandchildren, Madison, Nina and Larry G.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, at a time to be announced, from St. Joseph R.C. Church, North Plainfield. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains. Visiting hours are from 2 to 4 p.m.

and 7 to 9 p.m. today at Scarpa Funeral Home, 22 Craig Place, North Plainfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 2550 Route 1, North Brunswick, NJ 08902. husband, Louis, on April 30, 2003. She is survived by two daughters, Joanne A.

Salsovic of Easton, and Patricia C. Ben-newitz of Clinton; a sister, Rose Paolino; four grandchildren, Michael Salsovic, William Ben-newitz, Kristen Damon and Jennifer McMahon; and five greatgrandchildren. Services will take place on Wednesday. Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday at Memorial Funeral Home, 155 South Fanwood. Luis A. Sanchez, 55, avid sports fan PLAINFIELD Luis A. Sanchez, 55, died Sunday (Jan. 4, 2004) at his home.

Born in Isabela, Puerto Rico, he resided in Plain-field for the past 3 1 years. Prior to retiring in 1993, Mr. Sanchez was employed as a janitor by Clem's Ornamental Iron Works in Piscataway for five years. Mr. Sanchez was an avid sports fan who followed baseball, especially the Yankees, and basketball.

He also enjoyed walking around Plainfield every day. Surviving are six brothers, Robert, Hector, Euclides and Anthony, all of Plainfield, and Victor and Antonio, both of Puerto Rico; three sisters, Milagros Gonzalez, Gloria and Noelia Sanchez, all of Plainfield; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Higgins Home for Funerals, 209 West Eighth Street, Plain-field.

Interment will be in Puerto Rico. Please visit www.higgins-funeralhome.com to light a candle of remembrance. mm. mm 205 South Main St. Manville, NJ 08835 908-725-1763 John ft Zalemkl, Mgr.

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NJ Uc No. 322? Jf- By JENNIFER MICALE Gannett New Jersey SOUTH AMBOY When she's not helping residents navigate cyberspace or overseeing the stacks, Elaine Gaber is sailing the high seas. South Amboy is a perfect fit for the new director or the Sadie Pope Dowdell Public Library, which is near the Raritan Bay. The Somerset County resident is an avid sailor who races yachts and has crisscrossed both Caribbean and Canadian waters. "I sail right here on the Raritan Bay," said Gaber, who became the first female officer at the Keyport Yacht Club and attained the rank of captain with the Coast Guard.

Her office in the library hints of her passion: a painting of stylized yachts on the wall and a glass sailboat with purple sails on her desk. "How many librarians are captains with the Coast Guard?" she quipped. Gaber came to South Amboy in November, after spending 13 years at the Morris County Library. Before hitting the books as a librarian, she had her own business setting up corporate and private functions and also was involved in real estate. Gaber replaces Philip Israel, who headed the Dowdell Library for a decade before becoming the head of the Westfield Memorial Library in September.

Located in the same building as South Amboy MiddleHigh School, the library circulates nearly 60,000 items a year. She attributes her love of the open water to her childhood. Her stm cH aqan-Criamirc'itain Tuneral Home 225 Mountain Avenue 732-356-0327 Edward Hagan. Mgr. NJUc No.

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MgrMI Uc JP031X BRIDGEWATER Funeral Homa 707 East Main St.Bridgewater NJ 08807 "It you don't know us personally, chance are you know tomeon who does." Jm-MictiMl OtMHo. Mtnagar Uc. No. 4378 732-358-1118 These emblems and more available -consult your funeral director for details. ELAINE GABER, director, Sadie Rape Dowdell Public Library father introduced her to the maritime world while she was growing up on Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn, where she used to bicycle down to the docks and fishing piers.

She has raced a yacht from Marblehead, to Nova Scotia, finishing fifth out of 13 boats. Currendy, she has a 23-foot sailboat which she describes as her "floating condo in the summer." Sailing is her escape, and she has a particular love for the Caribbean, which she has often traversed. Gaber's passions aren't limited to the water; she's been playing piano since the age of 7. She attributes that love to her mother, who also took Gaber on her first trip to the library at the age of 5. Libraries help link patrons with the vast array of available information, Gaber noted.

To that end, she hopes to "bridge the digital divide by offering Internet training classes to pptrons new to the Web, as well as offering more traditional services, such as children's programs. AMERICAN LEGION CROSS FLAG.