My Brother Knights,
I kindly ask you to keep State Secretary Jim Sweeney's mother, Margaret Sweeney, in your prayers. She has been placed in the ICU due to breathing issues and low oxygen levels. The hospital doctors have intubated her, which has allowed her to breathe more easily. They are currently working to determine the cause of her condition. Your prayers are greatly appreciated during this challenging time.
Let us pray for her speedy recovery.
Sincerely
Raymond Sands
State Deputy
NJ State Council, Knights of Columbus
My Worthy Brother Knights,
Greetings
Entombment was at Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum, North Arlington.
In place of flowers, donations may be made to:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Judy's obituary can be found at https://obits.nj.com/us/obituaries/jerseyjournal/name/judith-birtwistle-obituary?id=57106055.
Remember, Lord, your servant Judith, and You know her faith and have seen her devotedness. Remember, too, Judith and all those who have gone before us from this world signed with the seal of faith and are sleeping the sleep of peace. We pray you, Lord, to lead her and all those who rest in Christ into a place of happiness, light, and peace.
Please pray for her family.
With caring prayers,
Raymond Sands
State Deputy
NJ State Council, Knights of Columbus
My Worthy Brother Knights,
Greetings
With a heavy heart, I share the news that Brother Dennis Gibson, DD, PGK, PFN, has been called home to our Lord. I was deeply saddened to hear this news and wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy and sincerest condolences to his wife, Megan, and their family during this difficult time.
Dennis was a true Knight of Columbus, a remarkable Catholic gentleman, and an exemplary figure to admire.
We are grateful for his dedication to the Order in all his leadership roles. We will cherish our time working with him, his sense of humor, and his valuable opinions. It was an honor to collaborate with him in support of our faith, church, brother Knights, and their families.
https://www.oliveriefuneralhome.com/memorials/dennis-gibson/5523693/index.php
The family asks that donations be made in his honor in place of flowers to the Michael J Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research.
Remember, Lord, your servant Dennis, and You know his faith and have seen his devotedness. Remember, too, Dennis and all those who have gone before us from this world signed with the seal of faith and are sleeping the sleep of peace. We pray you, Lord, to lead him and all those who rest in Christ into a place of happiness, light, and peace.
Please pray for his family.
With Caring Prayers,
Raymond Sands
State Deputy
NJ State Council, Knights of Columbus
[email protected]
My Brother Knights,
I am saddened to inform you that Peggy DiBello, wife of DD Lou DiBello passed away on December 1st. We offer our prayers and condolences to Lou, the family, and all who loved Peggy.
O Lord, eternal rest grant to her, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all of the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The services will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at The Church of Saint Catherine Laboure, located at
110 Bray Ave, Middletown, NJ 07748.
A gathering will begin at 9:30 AM, followed by the Mass at 10:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joan Dancy Foundation for ALS (joandancyandpals.org). This organization provided invaluable support to Peggy and our family throughout her journey, embodying the same spirit of compassion that Peggy so effortlessly shared with others.
Peggy's obituary can be found at, https://www.legacy.com/us/
Sincerely,
Raymond Sands
State Deputy
NJ State Council, Knights of Columbus
My Brother Knights,
We offer our deepest and most sincere condolences to State Advocate Scott Williams and his family on the loss of his sister, Kim Mosko.
O Lord, eternal rest grant to her, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all of the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16th, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Brunswick Memorial (454 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ 08816).
Memorial contributions may be made to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (https://donate.adaa.
Kim's obituary can be found at, https://www.echovita.com/
Marietta Kay Mazza, nee: Appino, age 73, of Leonia, on Monday July 15, 2024. Beloved wife to Vito Mazza, of 51 years. Loving mother to Marissa Watters and her husband David, Vito Mazza and his companion Monica Toscano. Adored grandmother to Isabella, Vito, William and Josephine. Predeceased by her late brother Randy Appino and their parents, Melvin and Doris.Kay was a Special Education Teacher by vocation. Beginning her career in Secaucus, after a 20-year break to raise her children, Kay returned to teaching in Leonia and then in Englewood until she retired in 2022. In her second act, she earned a master’s in education and continued her course work well beyond her degree. She was known for her kindness, patience and willingness to lend an ear. Kay was a friend to many and will be missed for her midwestern sensibility. “Blessed Heart”. She rooted for the underdog, was a staunch advocate defending the defenseless and valued honesty and integrity.
She was a dedicated wife and mother and exemplified being a “momma bear” in protecting and caring for her family. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and her source of joy. Her legacy is secure.
The passing of Online Membership Director Dan Murphy's Mother-in-law, Mary Jane Sanguedolce
My Brother Knights,
We express our deepest and most sincere condolences to
eMembership DIrector Dan Murphy and his family for the loss
of his mother-in-law, Mary Jane Sanguedolce.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you
during this difficult time.
O Lord, eternal rest grant to her, and may perpetual
light shine upon her. May her soul and all of the souls
of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God,
rest in peace. Amen.
Donations in Mary Jane’s memory may be
made to Fresh Start for Single Mothers & Their Children,
a non-profit community outreach project founded by her
daughter Sylvia, whom she enthusiastically supported
and volunteered with.
Checks can be made to:
Fresh Start
3300 Church Road
Richmond, VA 23233
Or donate online at: https://www.whatsnextfreshstart.org/
The obituary can be found at,
Sincerely,
Raymond Sands
State Deputy
NJ State Council, Knights of Columbus
My Brother Knights,
Greetings,
I am deeply saddened to inform you that Brother Jeffery Hawarden FDD was called home by our Lord. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Louise, and his family. His presence will be greatly missed by the Knights due to his infectious smile, sense of humor, and valuable opinions. Jeff was a true Catholic gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all of the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Cremation will be private. A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, June 8th, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa's R.C. Church, 450 Radio Rd, Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087.
In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jeffrey’s honor to Discovery House Donate - Discovery House, Knights of Columbus United in Charities Donation Form | Knights of Columbus (kofc.org), SPCA Memorial Gifts | ASPCA, St. Theresa’s Church On-Line Giving - Community of St.Theresa - Little Egg Harbor, NJ (sttheresa450.org), or a charity of your choice.
Here is the obituary: Jeffrey Hawarden Obituary 2024 - Maxwell Funeral Home.
With deepest sympathy and prayers
Raymond Sands, State Deputy, and all of the State Officers
We express our deepest and most sincere condolences to State Advocate Scott Williams and his family on the loss of his brother, John Williams, 3rd. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Eternal rest grant to him, oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and all of the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God,
rest in peace Amen.
Obituary: https://www.pagefuneralhome.com/obituary/John-WilliamsIII
With prayers and sympathy.
Raymond Sands and the New Jersey State Officers
Brothers,
I want to give you an update on former Worthy State Membership Director Pete Donchak.
Pete is suffering from a problem with his kidneys and will have to be put on a kidney transplant list. He was in the hospital last week diagnosed with sepsis. Pete was released and has been given proper treatment and is home resting.
Furthermore, he is suffering with a hip problem as bones are touching each other, he will soon need a hip replacement.
Pete is in good spirits and is waiting for the doctors to get back to him on being put on the Transplant list. If you have a spare one sitting around, please think about a donation. Not my joke but something he said to me. This tells me he is upbeat and fighting.
As for his hip, the doctors will insert a gel between the bones and see if that helps for now.
Please, keep him in your prayers. Prayers help as we all know, and they work miracles.
Pete is well respected by the Knights and a cherished member of the community. Lets pray for him to get through this tough time and please drop him a note or call him. Show him how much he is loved.
If you are looking to provide kidney donation, please reach out to your local hospital or center.
May God Bless Pete, Mary, and their family and may God Bless you and your family as well.
I'll leave you with the below information just in case someone is interested in donating.
Thank you and Vivat Jesus,
Christhopher Palmer
Grand Knight Council 6284
Centennial Chapter Vice President
https://www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingdonors/general-information-living-donation
Kidney donation is a remarkable act of compassion that can significantly improve the quality of life for someone living with kidney disease. If you’re considering becoming a living kidney donor, here are some essential guidelines to consider:
Eligibility Criteria:
· Age: You must be 18 years or older at all transplant centers. Some centers may require donors to be 21 or slightly older1.
· Health: To be a living kidney donor, you must:
· Have two healthy, functioning kidneys.
· Be healthy enough to undergo the donation process.
Health Evaluation:
· You’ll need to undergo a comprehensive health evaluation at the transplant center. The donor evaluation team will assess your physical and emotional readiness to donate.
· The evaluation includes various tests and exams, such as:
· Blood and tissue type tests.
· Urine tests.
· Heart and lung assessments.
· Blood pressure checks.
· Imaging (such as a spiral CT scan) of your kidneys.
· Additional screenings based on your age and gender (e.g., colonoscopy, mammogram, prostate exam, Pap smear).
· A social worker will also evaluate your mental and emotional preparedness for donation and assess your support system.
Types of Living Donation:
· Directed Donation: You choose a specific person with kidney disease (such as a family member or friend) to donate your kidney to.
· Non-directed Donation: You donate your kidney to a stranger, often through a paired kidney exchange program.
Informed Consent:
· As a potential donor, you should:
· Be competent.
· Willingly consent to donate.
· Be free from coercion.
· Be medically and psychosocially suitable.
· Be fully informed about the risks and benefits of donation.
· Understand the risks, benefits, and alternative treatments available to the recipient23.
Donor Evaluation Team:
· The donor evaluation team typically includes:
· Social workers.
· Dietitians.
· Transplant surgeons.
· Specialty doctors (e.g., heart, kidney, liver specialists).
· Living donor coordinators.
Remember that becoming a living kidney donor is a significant decision. If you meet the criteria and choose to proceed, your selfless act could profoundly impact someone’s life.
For more personalized information, I recommend reaching out to a transplant center or a kidney foundation in your area. They can guide you through the process and provide detailed guidance based on your specific circumstances.
We have been advised that Senior Advisor John Amato is in the hospital and is recovering from surgery and will ask for healing prayers for a full and speedy recovery. As more information is available it will be provided.
My Worthy Brother Knights,
Greetings
With a heavy heart, I inform you that Brother Joseph Lyons, FDD, PGK, PFN, and state chairman, has been called home to our Lord. I was saddened to hear the news. I offer our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to his family for their loss.
Joe was a true Knight of Columbus, a Catholic gentleman, and Master Sergent. His work will always be remembered for his sacrifice, charity, and dedication as a true leader of men.
We appreciated his dedication to the Order in all his leadership roles. We will cherish his smile, sense of humor, and opinions. Working with him was an honor, supporting our faith and church, learning the correct role of a financial secretary, honoring our veterans, especially our MIA and POWs, and helping those in our community who most need it.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, March 5, 2024
at St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church, 450 Radio Rd, Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08087.
https://www.
The family asks that donations be made in his honor in place of flowers.
Remember, Lord, your servant Joseph, and You know his faith and have seen his devotedness. Remember, too, Joseph and all those who have gone before us from this world signed with the seal of faith and are sleeping the sleep of peace. We pray you, Lord, to lead him and all those who rest in Christ into a place of happiness, light, and peace.
Please keep his family in your prayers.
With caring prayers
Raymond Sands
NJ State Deputy
Brother Knights,
We are saddened to report the passing of Daniel William Foley, FDD. Our brother passed on to his eternal rest last Friday Feb 2.
Obituary for Daniel William Foley | Timothy E. Ryan Home For Funerals (ryanfuneralhome.com)
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Sincerely
Raymond Sands
State Deputy
NJ State Council, Knights of Columbus
[email protected]
Worthy Brother Knights, it is with deep sadness that I report the passing of Eloise Dias, wife of Past Grand Knight Michael Dias, 01/08/2023. Arrangements out of Memorial Funeral Home,Fanwood.
Obituary
https://www.fanwoodmemorial.com/obituaries/Eloise-Theresa-Dias?obId=30302848#/obituaryInfo
We sadly announce the passing of
SK Michael "Mickey" Schiavone, PGK, PFN, FDD, PCP
on December 30, 2023.
Bronson & Guthlein Funeral Home
152 N. Main St., Milltown
BURIAL: St. Peter's Cemetery, New Brunswick
Vito Mastro, 90, of West Windsor, New Jersey, passed away on December 29, 2023. He was born on March 29, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. Vito was a loving husband, father, son, uncle, brother, and grandfather who will be deeply missed.
Vito was instrumental in establishing a Knights of Columbus Council at St. David the King and for over 40 years served in many roles including the first Grand Knight. He was also on the Board of Directors with United Way of Mercer County and a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He instilled in his children the importance of giving to others and would often bring them with him as he visited those in the community who were in need.
My Brother Knights
We start this day and the season of Advent on a sad note, our Lord has called PSD Robert "Bob" Wade home.
He was an outstanding Catholic gentleman and the example of a true Knight, a Knight's Knight of Columbus. His smile, wit, encouragement, and opinions will be missed.
Bob's career as a Knight of Columbus spanned all levels of leadership, From a Grand Knight, to a District Deputy, to New Jersey State Deputy (1981 -1983) to Supreme Treasurer, to Deputy Supreme Knight (1997-2000).
In his role as Deputy Supreme Knight, Bob championed many issues. The Right to Life was at the top of his list. He was proud to have been a speaker at the 25th annual March for Life. He also spoke on many occasions about the importance of our religious freedoms and involvement in politics to ensure those freedoms. He shared many of his experiences with me. He was a defender of our fait. While visiting the Philippines in support of our brother Knights, he had his car shot at by Muslim extremists. How many of us would jeopardize our lives in that way?
Bob was humble and caring. As I entered my new state officer role, he reached out to me with letters of encouragement and friendship. He and Joan will be missed.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Sincerely
Raymond Sands
State Deputy
NJ State Council, Knights of Columbus
[email protected]
Wednesday, July 8th, 1942 - Sunday, November 26th, 2023
We sadly announce the passing of
SK William Barba, PGK, PFN, PCP, FDD
on November 27, 2023
Gleason Funeral Home
Our Lady of Mercy Church
South Bound Brook, NJ