From the LHS Lighthouse newspaper January 2024

Class of 1959 Graduate reflects on his education and career as musician By Rayan Yamout - Staff writer

LHS class of 2022 graduate Isabella DiPisa was practicing her snare drum in August 2023 when she made a discovery. The book she had been using, which is titles “Portraits in rhythm: 50 studies for Snare Drum”, was written by Anthony J Cirone, who grew up in Lyndhurst.

“I’ve bee playing out of Cirone’s book since my first semester,” said DiPisa, who is a sophomore majoring in Music and Entertainment Industries and minoring in English/Literature at William Paterson University in Wayne. DiPisa said while she was taking a break from practicing, she read the back of Cirone’s book and realized his last name sounded familiar.

“It wasn’t until I Googled him, curious to find more information, that I learned he went to LHS, DiPisa said. She then reached out to LHS music teacher and band director Mr. Chwalyk to share the new about Cirone. Chwalyk followed up by contacting Cirone via phone call to learn his story.

Cirone picked up percussion in his youth. He said his teachers saw potential in him and directed him to opportunities outside the classroom. “My mother (had) a teacher come into my house who gave me a lesson on the snare drums,” Cirone said. “One thing led to another. Different teachers recommended that I pursue what I was passionate about from when I was a kid to when I was in LHS.”

Cirone honed his skills during his time at LHS, auditioning and making it into the New Jersey All-State Band during his junior and senior years of high school. He said that during his junior year, William Gee, LHS” band director at the time, recommended that Cirone work with William Laverack,, a graduate of the Julliard School in Yew York City who had been a member of the U.S. Marine band.

“Laverack taught me the technique to get into Julliard” Cirone said. “I took his advice and made it in, then stayed there for plenty of years.: After his time at Julliard, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Cirone spent decades playing the bass drum, bongos, concert toms, timbales and timpani in the San Francisco Symphony.

Cirone said he is now enjoying retirement, traveling between properties he owns in California and South Carolina. He still writes rhythmic snippets and etudes, which are short compositions designed to practice a particular skill. Chwalyk said in his conversations with Cirone, he was especially interested in learning why Cirone decided to write his acclaimed book, which was published in 1966 and is still popular today.

“He felt that drummers were being too mechanical and robotic in their playing. It became all about playing the right rhythms at the right dynamic at the right time and less about expressing yourself on a line the way that a wind player would, “Chwalyk said. He said Cirone’s professional path can serve as an example for students who aspire to have a career in music.

“It is very possible. You just have to work for it,” Chwalyk said. Sophomore Lucas Guerrero said Cirone is an inspiration to him and his peers. “No matter where you’re coming from, you have the same chances as anyone else, “Guerrero said. He said Cirone’s experiences shoe LHS musicians they do not have to rule out a career in music.

“His story encourages us. If someone from our school, did it then any one of us can do it too,” said Guerrero.

Prayers needed for our dear friend Renee Perello - who went to join our other classmates in heaven July 2, 2023.

https://nazarememorialhome.com/tribute/details/3750/Irene-McCarthy/obituary.html#tribute-start

Our prayers for the family of our dear friend Harold Nitch, who passed into heaven June 11, 2023.

So sad to tell you our dear friend Harold Nitch has passed.

Funeral is Wednesday June 14

https://www.bizubparker.com/obituary/Harold-Nitch

October 24, 2021

You can view Kenny's funeral mass on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaQhjndRUbU
It is listed as Funeral Mass for Kenneth S. Pizzo

October 20, 2021
Here is funeral information for our dear friend Kenny.
https://bongiovifuneralhome.com/tribute/details/625/Kenneth-Pizzo-Sr/obituary.html#tribute-start

October 16, 2021

A very sad day - our dear dear friend Kenny has passed away.
Our prayers are with Debbie and all his family.
Information on services when they are announced.

December 4, 2020
There is more sad news - our dear friend Sally Messineo passed away this day.
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/northjersey/obituary.aspx?n=sally-tupponce-messineo&pid=197229661&fhid=7389
Our prayers are with her family.

November 11, 2020
Very sad to tell you all that Gloria Amatrudi has passed on to heaven.
Funeral at Stellato Funeral Home this Friday morning - don't know exact time with chuch service at Sacred Heart at 10:30 a.m.

Link to Stellato Funeral home.
https://www.stellatofuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Gloria-Amatrudi/#!/Obituary

Gloria's birthday celebration in 2016 with Barbara, Elaine, Ginny, Lee, Rosemary and Helen

Prayers for family.

October 7, 2020

We need to add Russ and Laura Safar to our prayer list.
Their son, Robert, passed away Monday October 5.
Arrangement are
https://www.stellatofuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Robert-Safar/

So Sad news October 5, 2020

Please - prayers for Antoinette Cerrachio Mastriano and family
Her son Louis has joined his Dad in heaven.

Visitation and arrangements can be found
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/westwood-nj/louis-mastriano-9387331

Sad news today May 25, 2020

Please send your prayers and condolences to Antoinette Cerracchio - whose dear husband Lou passed away May 20, 2020.
https://obits.nj.com/obituaries/starledger/obituary.aspx?n=louis-michael-mastriano&pid=196226948

One of Washington School - Rosalie Bonadonna died Saturday March 7, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Rosalie A. Bonadonna, 78, died on Saturday, March 7, 2020. Rosalie was born in Jersey City and was raised in Lyndhurst. Rosalie raised her family in Rutherford and has lived most of her life there. She is survived by her loving children, Helen Miragliotta & her husband, Peter and Russell R. Bonadonna & his wife, MaryJo, by her dear grandchildren, Peter, Lucia, Russell, Lexi and Niko, by her brother, Russell Bonadonna & his wife, Judy and by her nieces and nephews. Rosalie enjoyed embroidery as a hobbie, always making something special for family and friends. She was an active parishioner of St. Mary's and a Rosarian for the parish, also a member of the Women's Club of Rutherford, In Lyndhurst, she was a member of the Lyndhurst Historical Soceity, in particular, The Little Red School House and volunteered at St. Michael's Food Pantry.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation held at the Nazare Memorial Home, Inc., 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst on Monday, March 9, 2020 from 3 to 7PM. All will gather at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 9:30AM then to St. Mary's Church, Rutherford where at 10:30AM a Funeral Mass will be offered. Interment, St. Joseph's Cemetery, Lyndhurst

February 25, 2020
A NJ celebration for Una and Tony
Una and Tony NJ celebration February 25, 2020

HAPPY HAPPY NEWS!!!
December 28, 2019
Myrtle Beach, SC.
Our Lady of the Star Catholic Chuch
1:00 p.m.
Wedding Ceremony for
Una C and Tony C.
Una and Tony Wedding December 28, 2019

Beautiful Church ceremony followed by a reception at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach SC.
Al and I were honored to attend this beautiful day for Una and Tony.
Reception was full of friends and relatives. Wonderful food and dancing.
Wedding favors were a small box of chocolates from Tony's son, Tony from his Li-Lac Chocolate store in NYC. www.li-laccholates.com
Our best wishes to our classmates - who now have the honor of being
"married the shortest time" !!!!

July 6, 2019
Our condolences to Annette Colarusdo - her partner Frank Navatta passed
and to Nancy Critelli - Pete passed July 4, 2019
Funeral information has been emailed to all classmates.

Sad News
Jimmy J J Crupi - international horseman died

A note from Kenny

Another one of our classmates has been called home……

https://www.paulickreport.com/news/bloodstock/prominent-horseman-james-j-crupi-dies-at-79/

There are several websites with Jimmy's horsemanship.

https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/funeral-for-j-j-crupi-saturday/

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/233852/respected-horseman-j-j-crupi-dies-at-79

59th Reunion Photo Page
More will be coming

Movie Page - Veteran Salute

Another say day - from Pete C.

It saddens me to inform our classmates that Gloria Mahoney has passed away on Weds 9/5/18 while at St Claire's Hospital in Denville. She had a massive stroke on Monday Sept 3rd (which was John's birthday) and she stayed in a coma and passed away on Weds Sept 5th with her family at her bedside.

Her wake will be held at Goble Funeral Home at 22 Main St, Sparta, NJ

Time for viewing is 4 to 6 PM on this Sat.

Her funeral mass will be on Sunday at the United Methodist church in Sparta NJ at 2 PM, followed by a repast at The Mohawk House in Sparta, NJ.

Prayers for her family.

Great sadness
classmate Pat Wirsing W passed away July 25, 2018
prayers for her family

"59 year reunion for the class of 1959"
November 16-18, 2018
Kenny is arranging that weekend for a 59 year reunion
Details for the weekend

Just sent out new classmate list dated August 9, 2018
if there are errors - or you can help with information
please email Pat F

Does any one have an address for (as of August 9, 2018)

Roz N
Rocco S

thanks for your help so we can get information to them.

April 6, 2018

Gia S sent me this link. We girls all remember Ms. Pons
http://www.calhounmaniafuneralhome.com/book-of-memories/3423001/pons--margaret-peggy/obituary.php

February 28, 2018
Sad news:
Jean Garde died February 18, 2018
https://www.theridgefieldpress.com/103232/obituary-jean-garde-parker/

February 8, 2018
Sad news: Joan Longarzo died January 30, 2018
Please keep her and her family in your prayers

http://www.mastapeterfuneralhome.com/book-of-memories/3418749/Longarzo-Joan%20/service-details.php

January 19, 2018
Happy New Year to everyone !!!!
As you stay warm and comfy - you can now see page 1 of the June 1959 Lighthouse - compliments of Anthony A.
Many thanks!
I am working on getting the rest of the Lighthouse up shortly.

Memories

Anthony A. shared photos and the Program of our Senior Play
You Can't Take it with you!

Lighthouse June 1959
There is a thumbnail of page 1 - double click it to make it larger

Memories of Ronnie from our 1959 Classmates

You can read a very touching tribute to Ronnie from his wife, Connie.
Tribute to Ronnie

Tribute from Anthony Battista- November 2017

Very sad... I remember how he dealt with his injury so many years ago... Always thought he was a very special person back then and after reading his obit, he was special - Ray Pironti

I just wanted to say that I remember being on the field the day Ronniewas hurt and visiting him at Englewood Hospital. So very, very sad to hear of his passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.
So many memories.....Frankie Genovese

I REMEMBER RONNIE FOR HIS GENTLE SPIRIT AND OPTIMISM .....EVEN IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY. May The Lord grant His peace to his family.
Catherine Strohler- Schifano

Sad news! I remember the day Ron got hurt in a football game, making a tackle.
Long time ago. Jim Farrell

Such a special person - Elaine Mauro Denoon

It just seems like yesterday a bunch of us would go to Ronnie's house after the accident to spend time with him. Then and the last time I saw him at the reunion, he always had a smile on his face and was so upbeat. He shall truly be missed. He was a great person.
Pat Mowery Single

So so sad 😭 went all through grammar school with Ronnie
Una

TO OUR CLASSMATES and the Cannella family,

I was saddened to hear, as I am sure all of you were, to learn of Ronald Cannella’s passing. He was an inspiration to us all. You should know that many years ago he was honored by Fairleigh Dickinson University for his lifetime achievements when he was inducted into the University’s Pinnacle Society - the highest honor the University can bestow upon any graduate. Only 130 or so graduates have been similarly honored out of the over 140,000 graduates from the University since it was established in 1942.

Ron created and experienced with his wife Connie a wonderfully full life despite his disability. As a psychologist he gave succor, aid and counseling to many, like he, who were afflicted by devastating injuries. He is a shining example of how one can overcome adversary with dedication, a hopeful spirit and the grace of God.

I wish to extend our sincere condolences on behalf of the class of “59” to his wife Connie, his immediate family and his many friends as they mourn his passing.

May he rest in peace.

Sincerely,

Anthony Ambrosio

anthonyambrosio@me.com

August 31, 2017
Sad news
Our dear friend Ronnie Cannella is with God. He passed Thursday.
Here is the visitation and church service information.
Our prayers are with Connie and all his family.
http://www.freemanfuneralhomes.com/book-of-memories/3096305/Cannella-Ronald-/service-details.php

August 23. 2-17
Una has shared a photo of Jefferson School classmates.
Can you help identify them?
Una is the one in the middle - holding the sign.
Thanks
Hope everyone is well.
Pat

May 24, 2017

From Gloria A and Harold N they found an interesting article about a new Junior High School in Lyndhurst
http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/lyndhurst/2017/03/18/lyndhurst-hires-architect-school-construction/99224204/

January 9, 2017
We have another angel in heaven

Anthony Carrino, 75, of Township Of Washington, New Jersey, passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2016. Husband of Ruth Carrino (nee Cattania). Loving father of James Carrino, Anthony & his wife Jennifer Carrino, and Vincent Carrino. Dear brother of Kathleen Carrino. Cherished grandfather of Anthony & Nicholas. Mr. Carrino was a Detective Sergeant for the State Police and an Army veteran in the National Guard. He was a member of the AmVets in Lyndhurst and Knights of Columbus in Township of Washington. Funeral Friday at 9 AM from the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 425 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst. Funeral Mass 10 AM Sacred Heart R.C. Church. Entombment Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum. Friends will be received Thursday 2-4 & 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

March 30, 2016
Sad note. A member of our class Arlene R died February 19, 2016.

Arlene J. Scardelli-

Scardelli, Arlene J. (nee Russo), 75, of North Arlington, died on Friday, February 19, 2016. Mrs. Scardelli was born in Hackensack, lived most of her life in Lyndhurst and has been a resident of North Arlington since 2014. She was a Waitress for the Arena Diner of Hackensack for over 10 years, retiring in 1999. Arlene was predeceased by her beloved husband, David N. Scardelli, Sr. and by her children, Harry Scardelli and Darlene Marks. She is survive by her loving children, Deborah Lypowy & her husband, Walter, David N. Scardelli Jr. and his wife, Donna and Andrea Malczewski and her husband, Dave, by her dear grandchildren, Jacqueline, Matthew, Jennifer, Rachel, Eric, Michelle, Sean, Christopher, Kimberly, Victoria and Nicholas, by her and great grandson, RJ. Also survived by her brother, Charles Russo and "sister" Carol Russo. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service held in Nazare Memorial Home, Inc., 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst on Sunday, February 21, 2016 Visiting hours Sunday 4-6PM. Cremation Private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Arlene's memory to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142

March 17, 2016

From Pete C about John M.

I'm sad to inform our classmates that John M passed away at the Dover Hospice Weds evening March 16.

Gloria and her daughters kept a vigil. John suffered from Leukemia complications and fought to the end.

We all have lost a good man, God rest his soul.

His funeral mass was Saturday March 19.

February 3, 2016
There is sad news. We have another star in heaven
Edward Brehm passed away last week.
Please add his family to your prayers.
There is no info on arrangements right now.

January 12, 2016
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GLORIA!!!
January 1 was Gloria's birthday.
(I will let her tell you what year!!!)
A celebration was held at Buco's (her favorite restaurant)
Gloria's Birthday Celebration

January 1, 2016
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!
Our wish is for a happy healthy new year to everyone and their families.

Some classmates have asked for some new news.
Please send me any news and photos - to keep us all private - I have not put in last names - only initials.

I am going to make you all smile.
I never had a bucket list - and really didn't want one!!

Pat's Bucket List

PS I have a few things to scan and post. Stay tuned

Marianne F C sent me some photos - they are up on the 55th Class Reunion Page.

I have some things from Anthony A. Will get them up asap-
Lighthouse Issue - some photos. Thanks Anthony.

Message from Pete C.

Hello friends and classmates.

I am pleased and happy to share I've been home since 2/6/15, taking home therapy to complete my recovery! I am relatively pain free, only aches or some muscle burning.

I no longer feel disabled, and able to walk further now than I could 2 months ago.

I thank God for watching over me during these times.

Best Regards,

Pete C

February 12, 2015
Update on Pete C knee surgery from Paul Z.

"Just got off the phone with Pete. He sounds great. He had knee replacement surgery on his good and only knee on January 23 at Morristown Hospital. After the surgery he was in rehab at Kessler Institute and is now at Home under the care of his loving wife Nancy. I'm sure he'd love to hear from classmates either through phone calls or cards or e-mails. I asked him if we could put something on the website about him and he said sure. Tell everybody I'm back and ready to go."

NOTE: TO ALL LHS CLASSMATES

February 9, 2015
Added some new photos to the Reunion Page - Friday night for Classmates and a Saturday afternoon tour.

Beverly B also has some very old LHS yearbooks and sent this photo of a rifle club LHS used to have. LHS Rifle Club

January 29, 2015

What do you know - some folks can see the movie and some can't. Haven't figured it out - if you can see the movie - send me an email and let me know what kind of computer you are using and what browser you are using - Internet Explorer or Chrome or something else.

We have tried this out in a couple of different computers
Best result Internet Explorer - may ask to plug in Window Media Player.
This is the only size right now - will not expand to full screen.

There are some photos posted on the LHS 55th Class Reunion November 2014 page. They do not expand.

The link to the movie is also there.
It is a pretty big file - give it about 30 sec to load.

Stay tuned - more are coming as I reformat them for the web site.

Hope you are keeping warm. Stay well and happy.
Pat

November 25, 2014

I want to thank all of my classmates who participated in our wonderful three day reunion. it was heart warming and at times magical.

To all our dear classmates who didn't attend; you were missed and your presence would have only served to further enhance the festivities.

With my love and respect to all of you.

Kenny Pizzo

FRIDAY

Significant others went to The Back Door Garage - with Debbie. What beautiful cars!!! They enjoyed appetizers, wine and beer and a good time.

November 4, 2014br>Really sad news - please pray for the Troncone family

-Robert M. Troncone-

Troncone, Robert M., 74, Died on Monday, November 3, 2014 at his home. Mr. Troncone was a life long resident of Lyndhurst. He graduated Lyndhurst High School in 1959 and was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame for his Football Career. He retired from Yellow Freight Trucking, Local 641 & 194 of Carlstadt in 2002. He was a member of the Columbus Club & Amvets Post #20, both of Lyndhurst. Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Camille (nee Milano) Troncone, by his loving children, Joseph Troncone & his wife, Jeannette, Christine Farrell & her husband, Michael, by his dear grandchildren, Jadyn & Joseph Troncone, Jr., Brianna & Shayna Farrell, by his sisters and brothers, Angelina Maher, Josephine Chieco, Samuel, Vincent and John Troncone.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral from the Nazare Memorial Home, Inc., 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 9AM then to Sacred Heart Church, Lyndhurst where at 10AM a Funeral Mass will be offered. Interment Hillside Cemetery, Lyndhurst. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8PM.

Octobr 16, 2014
It's almost here! Please come!! Make your reservations.
Question? Dress for the weekend? Resort Casual
Hope to see you all there.

July 25, 2014

Time to make your reservations for our 55^th LHS school reunion

Kenny invites you to be his guest

Friday evening November 21

Saturday evening November 22

Sunday Brunch November 23.

The Breakers Hotel Spring Lake NJ

To reserve a room and/or dinner and brunch reservations call Mary at Kenny’s office 908-526-2230

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL!!!

May 9, 2014
Sad news

Theresa LaPlaca Willard and Peter Isoldi have died.

Theresa Willard(nee LaPlaca), 72, of Woodland Park, New Jersey, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2014. Beloved wife of the late Donald Willard. Dear sister of Phyllis Baker and Philip & his wife Margaret LaPlaca. Loving aunt of Anthony DelBuono. Funeral service Saturday 10 AM at the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 425 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst. Entombment George Washington Memorial Park. Friends will be received Friday 2-8 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to HackensackUMC Mountainside, 1 Bay Avenue, Montclair NJ 07042 - See more at: http://www.stellatofuneralhomes.com/obituary/Theresa-Willard/Woodland-Park-NJ/1380004#sthash.jd8a5pvp.dpuf

Isoldi, Peter J., 74, of Lyndhurst, died on Thursday, May 8, 2014. Mr. Isoldi was a life long resident of Lyndhurst. Peter became a Lyndhurst Police Officer in 1970 and retired in 2000 as a Lieutenant. He was a member of the Columbus Club, AmVets Post #20 and the Italian American Club, all of Lyndhurst and the Moose Lodge of Ortley Beach. He also was an avid Giants fan. Peter is survived by his loving wife, Anne R. (nee Jaquinto) Isoldi, his loving children, Dawn Isoldi, Michael Sconza & his wife, Gina, Aleece Isoldi, by his grandchildren, Jake and Morgan Sconza, and by his sister, Mildred Lateano. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral from Nazare Memorial Home, Inc., 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 9 AM then to Sacred Heart Church, Lyndhurst where at 10 AM a Funeral Mass will be offered. Interment Hillside Cemetery, Lyndhurst. Visiting hours Monday 5-9 PM.

November 20, 2013
Received note from Joe L - - -

Unfortunately, I have news of the death of another one of our classmates, my dear friend, John Denecke. John was the 1st trumpet in our H.S. Band, and he played along with Tony Cirone and me in our little sextet "The Dominos" from 7th grade all thru H.S. He lived right across the street from me on Harrington Ave.

His wife, Judy, informed me that John fell while walking, hit his head and never recovered. I believe the date was on Nov. 1st.

October 14, 2013
Received news from Paul Z that John is in remission!!!
Great news John - you are always in our prayers.

March 27, 2013 Busy Anthony Cirone has launched a new website

Dear Family, Friends, and Colleagues:

I just launched my new website www.anthonyjcirone.com . Please click on the link and view a complete listing of my publications, including 114 text and resource books, music compositions, and edited texts. You can also listen to Audio Files of selected compositions and can even sign up for a private Skype Internet Lesson.

The highlight of this website is my 50 video recordings of the Etudes from my snare drum book, Portraits in Rhythm. Downloading a video will place you in a virtual recording studio where you can observe my Master Class analysis and a personal performance of my interpretation of these snare drum solos.

Thanks to all of you who continue to use my publications in your percussion curriculum. Please feel free to pass this website link to interested colleagues, students, and friends.

-Tony Cirone

Arlene J. Scardelli-

SATURDAY