Reita Greenstone, Former Essex County Freeholder

Lived in Livingston, two-time board member who lobbied for women's and senior's rights, mental health issues.

Dick Clark Dead At 82: Ringing In 2013 Won't Be The Same

Clark was often called "the world's oldest teenager" because of his youthful appearance

  Dick Clark, who brought rock and roll to the masses as the longtime host of "American Bandstand," is dead after suffering a heart attack, according to several news reports. The always smiling 82 year-old TV producer and host had been at St. John's Hospital in Los Angeles after undergoing an outpatient procedure on Tuesday, according to TMZ. Clark reportedly suffered the heart attack following the procedure and died on Wednesday after failed attempts to resuscitate him. The Mount Vernon, New York-born Clark endured a long list of health troubles over the years and had a stroke in 2004 that caused him to retire as host of "New Years' Rockin' Eve," the show he created in 1972. Although Ryan Seacrest took over as host, Clark made brief …

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Obituary: Allan "Rich" McAllister

A blogger for Patch and local volunteer passed away on Sunday.

[UPDATED: April 10 at 9:05 a.m. to include viewing, funeral arrangements] Allan "Rich" McAllister, 51, passed away on Sunday, April 8.  Rich wrote an inspirational blog for the Verona/Cedar Grove Patch, in which he described his life and the struggles he has faced. He was a quadriplegic, who lost his legs below his knees, the use of his hands, wrists and lower arms, as well as 60 percent of this throat but persevered. In one post, "Four Years Later, Here I Am", he details "496 straight days in three hospitals, two rehabilitation facilities, 22 operations and approximately $15 million dollars." But being a disabled person was far from all of who he was. McAllister was also a well-known local volunteer, including his work with the Cedar …

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Fran Hopkins

4:58 pm on Monday, April 9, 2012

I am shocked and so sad to hear of Rich's death. His blog on the Verona-Cedar Grove Patch lifted my spirits many times when I felt down. In fact, I was ashamed of myself when I'd get discouraged by relatively trivial things (I'm unemployed and write a blog about it on Patch) because of Rich's courage and determination in the face of far greater difficulties. He generously shared these gifts with …   more ›

Local Officials Remember Congressman Donald Payne

The congressman died this morning at the age of 77.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie: Mary Pat and I offer our condolences to the Payne family on the loss of Congressman Payne. He was a leader with great compassion for every person he had the honor of representing. He was a great role model for every person in New Jersey who aspires to public service. He was a true gentlemen and we considered him a friend.   State Assemblywoman Mila Jasey: I am deeply saddened by the loss of Congressman Payne and my sincerest sympathies go out to his entire family. His contributions to others reached every level imaginable.  He was a tried and true son of Essex County, but his public service had a lasting impact on the residents of New Jersey, the citizens of the United States and countless others around…

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Whitney Houston Laid to Rest in Westfield

Procession arrived at noon Sunday for burial ceremony at Fairview Cemetery. Nearly 100 fans shouted 'We love you, Whitney' as hearse turned into the cemetery.

The vigil at Fairview Cemetery began at first light Sunday morning. There were no mourners, just reporters and photographers mingling congenially as they staked out a good spot for their reports back to the network morning shows or a position for the perfect photo of the funeral procession bringing Whitney Houston to the cemetery for her burial. Police officers arrived before daylight, at 6 a.m., to secure every possible corner of the Fairview property, from the Cranford border along Union County College to the south and E. Broad Street to the north. At the western end of the cemetery, Gallows Hill Road was closed to prevent any neighborhood street from messing up any potential route in which the procession of hearses and limos that would …

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Reports: Whitney Houston Burial Expected on Sunday

Rumors continue to circulate as to when and where the late pop star will be laid to rest.

As cruisers from the Westfield and Union County police departments came and went through the front gate of the Fairview Cemetery Thursday, Fairview officials were issuing "no comments" to a barrage of calls from reporters seeking comment and details about the burial plans for Whitney Houston — and calming down concerned family members of those already interred in the Westfield cemetery. Houston's funeral service will be held at noon Saturday at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark. The ceremony is expected to draw 1,500 mourners, including her mother, Cissy Houston, cousin Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Kevin Costner and Clive Davis. While those details appear to be firm, speculation swirls around when Houston's body will…

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VIDEO: Hundreds Line Inman Avenue for Cpl. Kevin Reinhard's Funeral Procession

Groups of residents and schoolchildren waving flags spanned from Wood Avenue to St. Gertrude's Cemetery in Colonia.

In an awesome display of patriotism, hundreds of residents lined the 1.5 mile final stretch in Marine Corporal Kevin Reinhard's funeral procession from St. Agnes Church in Clark to St. Gertrude's Cemetery in Colonia. Despite the bitter 30 degree weather, schoolchildren came out from their classrooms and residents from their homes to line Inman Ave and pay respect to the fallen soldier. As the long line of cars drove past, the crowds stood still and silent, most with right hands over their hearts or in a firm salute and flags in their left. Reinhard, 25, was among six who died last week in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. He was a lifelong Colonia resident and had almost completed his second tour of duty when he was killed. "I want to say…

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Colleagues Shocked By DeCroce's Death

Local, state officials react to sudden loss of Assembly minority leader.

This story will be updated throughout the day: Local officials and former colleagues expressed shock Tuesday morning after learning Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce (R-Parsippany) collapsed and died suddenly late Monday night at the Statehouse. "I was totally shocked, that was totally unexpected," Butler Mayor Robert Alviene said. "He did what he could for us while he was in power. I'm sure his heart was in the right place all the time for the county here. Im sure he'll be missed." As a result of DeCroce's death, Gov. Chris Christie will postpone his State of the State address, originally scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m. He is expected to deliver a eulogy to DeCroce instead. Patch will stream Christie's remarks live at 1 p.m…

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Hector M. Gesualdo, United Way Fundraising Vice President

Funeral is Saturday at Livingston's St. Philomena's Church.

What Do You Want in Livingston?

Let the Livingston Vision 20/20 Committee know by completing the Township Assessment Community Questionnaire.

What do you like most about Livingston? And what would you change? The 2011 Livingston Township Assessment Questionnaire, developed by the township's Vision 20/20 Committee, is looking to find how it can improve residents' quality of life through 30 questions ranging from best and worst aspects of living in town to shopping to school safety. The questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. It can be taken online or printed out and dropped off at boxes located at the Livingston Public Library, Town Hall, the Senior Community Center and the West Essex YMCA. In addition, members of the Livingston Vision 20/20 Committee will be making presentations to nearly 50 organizations in town. To have your group considered, please contact …

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