I have not been able to find obituaries for all our deceased classmates therefore, several have been created from news clippings. Please email me any information or photos you might have.
Thank you — ML
tzhs50reunion@gmail.com

John Acampora, 38

1958 – Oct 9, 1996
John Matthew Acampora, a Congers resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 9, 1996, at his mother’s home. He was 38.

John was born Jan, 26, 1958, in New York City to John J. and MaryEllen Gilfoy Acampora. He was a lifelong Rockland County resident and a member of the Class of 1976 at Tappan Zee High School. He graduated from Fordham University in the Bronx in 1980 with a degree in communications.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather Joseph Seid, both of Suffern; his father, John J. Acampora of Lodi, N.J.; his brother Joseph P. Acampora of Congers; sisters, Kathryn Falcone of Yorktown Heights and Annmarie DaSilva of Milford, CT; and a step-grandmother, Eva Lee Seid of Manhattan.

Ronni Altman Wheeler, 66

1958 – Nov 9, 2024
Ronni Wheeler, 66, passed away on November 9, 2024, in Boynton Beach, Florida, due to complications of ALS. Ronni is survived by her husband, Scott Wheeler; children, Elissa Weiss and Rachel Weiss; grand dogs, Baloo and Tyson; sisters, Mindy (Steven) Matza and Marsha Winter.

Lance Arietta, 59

1958 – 2017
Lance Arietta dedicated himself to being a champion pole vaulter. He parlayed a relentless work ethic, competitive streak, ample self-confidence and a showman’s flair to secure a berth in the pantheon of all-time greats in Rockland track & field. He won two New York State championships, set the indoor and outdoor State records, and added an Eastern States title to his gold-medal haul.

Lance attended UTEPn, Miami Dade Junior College, and American River College in Sacramento. Serious knee and back injuries derailed his vaulting career but he retired with a best of 17-feet, 1/4-inch — good enough to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Sadly, Lance passed away in 2017 at age 59. He had moved to Florida in 1989 with his partner, Carmen, residing in Coconut Creek. Lance had one son, Brandon, 29. Lance worked as a transportation coordinator for the Iron Mountain records management company, supervising a fleet of 20 drivers. Lance is the second member of the Arietta family to earn enshrinement into the Rockland County Sports Hall of Fame.

Mary Lou Buck, 52

1958 – Apr 22, 2011
Mary Lou Buck passed away on Good Friday, April 22, 2011 after a sudden re-occurrence of cancer. She was 52 years old. Mary Lou was a lifelong resident of Rockland County and worked as an administrative assistant in local corporations, law firms, and most recently was employed by Roy H. Eriksen, MD. Mary Lou is survived by her brothers, John E. Buck, (Linda) of Baltimore, MD; Lawrence M. Buck, (Barbara) of Bayonne, NJ; and Brian R. Buck, (Lizbeth) of Blauvelt, NY. She is also survived by nephews Sean and John Buck, nieces Kristen and Samantha Buck, and long-time friend and companion, Joseph Italiano. She is pre-deceased by her loving parents Jack and Mary Buck and nephew Matthew Buck.

Brian Chadroff, 64

1958 – Mar 2022
Brian did his undergrad at SUNY. Albany and then studied dentistry at University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Brian is survived by his wife Pam Gordon Chadroff and children, Adam Chadroff, Jennifer Chadroff Abady, and Jamie Chadroff.

A great video Brian’s colleagues made as a tribute to him. See video Dr. Brian Chadroff

Michael Dell, 55

Mar 21, 1958 – Oct 14, 2013
Michael Quincy Dell of Binghamton, New York, and formerly of Orangeburg, passed away on October 14 at the age of 55. Born on March 21, 1958, he was the beloved son of Laurel and Edward Dell of Orangeburg.

Michael graduated from Tappan Zee High School in 1976 where he was on the football team. His classmates would likely remember him as an avid camper and rock climber. First among his many talents was writing, which he pursued in his studies at Sarah Lawrence College, in Bronxville and later at Columbia University.

A number of his short stories were published in a variety of venues and he was the Editor in Chief and publisher of Thorax, a literary journal. He continued his literary efforts for his entire adult life.

Michael will be missed for his ability to provide unbounded energy to whatever pursuit he was engaged in. He was a self-starter who employed creative approaches to a wide variety of undertakings. His originality in writing won him serious praise. Michael was able to transform every day events into fascinating and humorous adventures.

Michael Dell is survived by his mother, Laurel Dell, and his four brothers, David, John, Robert, and James. He was predeceased by his father, Edward Dell.

Dan Dugan, 62

Mar 21, 1958 – Oct 14, 2020

We are saddened to share the news that artist and RoCA instructor Dan Dugan recently passed away from coronavirus complications. For more than 20 years, Dan was a fixture as a well-loved teacher of our Drawing and Painting the Human Figure and Introduction to Drawing classes. He taught with a patient, non-invasive style—“coaching,” as he explained it—meant to guide his students through their work.

Dan Dugan was a former assistant to Professor Roger Hendricks at SUNY Purchase. He was widely exhibited in the NY/NJ area and taught in Montreal, Canada, Cairns, Australia and Eastchester, New York. Dan was an exceptional fine artist as well as a photographer who specialized in alternative processes. He was also a teacher and practitioner of massage therapy.

Dan was a kind, good-humored soul. On his Facebook page, he describes himself thus: “I’m an explorer.” It could be said that his life was one of openness to the endless wonder in life. His wry bearded grin will be dearly missed.

(Some of us got to see Dan a few months before his passing at a mini-reunion in Blauvelt. He will be remembered has serene, funny, and utterly content.)

Anthony Fortunato, 35

Oct 27, 1958 – Jan 15, 1994

Anthony C. Fortunato of Blau-velt died at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in Manhattan. He was 35.

Mr. Fortunato was born in Mount Vernon, N.Y., to Thomas and Rita Maher Fortuna-to. He lived in Blauvelt for 25 years, having moved there from the Bronx, N.Y.

Mr. Fortunato worked for Volvo of America in Rutherford, N.J. He was a 1976 graduate of Tappan Zee High School in Orangeburg.

He is survived by his mother and father, of Blauvelt; two sisters, Susan Saladyga of East Setauket, NY, and Barbara Danehy of Rochester, NY; a brother, Thomas Fortunato of Garnerville; and seven nieces and nephews.

His funeral mass was at St. Catharine’s Church, Blauvelt, with burial in Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill.

Kenneth Fund, 65

1958 – Feb 22, 2024

Kenneth Fund, age 65, of Boynton Beach, Florida passed away on Feb 22, 2024.

Ken’s career in publishing began at Simon & Schuster, which he joined as a business manager in 1984. He later joined HarperCollins San Francisco in 1990, rising to senior v-p for adult publishing.

In 1999, Ken joined Quarto, a subsidiary of Rockport Publishers as president and CEO before going on to head the company’s U.S. division. He was appointed group COO in 2016, and joined the board as an executive director in 2018. Upon his retirement in December 2021, he remained on the board as a non-executive director.

He was the beloved husband of Linda Fund; loving father of Maxwell Fund (Tori) and Rachel (Sean) Bowman; dear brother of Steven (Susan) Fund and Suzanne Payne. Kenneth was a an animal lover that will be greatly missed by his cherished cat Moira, dog Muffy, and his many grandpets.

He was a tremendous asset to North Shore Players, whenever he could he would help doing anything that needed doing. As President of North Shore Players, he made a huge impact and helped the group in so many ways.

Virginia Gaffney, 36

June 25, 1958 – Feb 25, 1995

Virginia M. Gaffney, formerly of Orangeburg, died at her home in Brooklyn. She was born in the Bronx to John and Mary (O’Connor) Gaffney and graduated from Tappan Zee High School in 1976.

Virginina worked for the NYC Department of Social Services for 8 years as a social worker.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her siblings Collen and Christopher Gaffney of Orangeburg and Kelly Ann Emling of Long Beach, CA. Her brother John died in 1993. Donations in her name can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Stacey Gersten, 48

1958 – 2004

Stacey Gersten, a Pearl River resident, was struck by a car on North Middletown Road in Pearl River. She died several weeks later having never regained consciousness. She was 48 years old.

Joe Giarnella, 56

1957 – Dec 5, 2013

Joseph Giarnella, 56, of Stony Point, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2013. He was the cherished father of Jennifer, Talia and Victoria Giarnella. Beloved son of Ralph and Kathleen Giarnella. Loving brother of Donna Orecchio and Kathy and Randy Pioli. Dear ex-husband of Tracey Giarnella, mother of Talia and Victoria. Loving uncle of Adam and Michael Orecchio and Lea and Carly Marshiano. Joseph owned J. Giarnella and Son, a construction company in the Bronx. Although taken from us too soon, the time he spent with us was full of love for his family, friends, and the great outdoors.

Sheryl Gathers, 44

Nov 20, 1957 – Aug 15, 2001

Sheryl Lynn Gathers died Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at the United Medical Center in Cheyenne, WY. She was 44.

Sheryl was born November 22, 1957 in Nyack, NY to Marjorie Swann and the late William Gathers Sheryl was a graduate of the Tappan Zee High School and was employed by Mini Grip Corporation in Orangeburg, NY until she moved to Cheyenne, WY in 1987. At the time of her death she was employed by the United Medical Center in Cheyenne.

She was a member of the St. Charles A.M.E. Zion Church in Sparkill, NY and served in the Y’s Missionary Department, member of the Steward Board and the Young Adult Choir.

Sheryl is survived by her son Evan Lemar Gathers of Cheyenne, WY; mother, Marjorie Swann of Nyack, NY; sister, Denise (Robert) Anderson of Cheyenne, WY; two brothers, Jeffrey (Jill) Gathers of Highland Falls, NY and Craig (Velvet) Gathers (shown above with Sheryl) of Middletown, NY; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Henry Hassenkamp, 58

1958 – Mar 18, 2017

Henry “Hank” Hassenkamp, age 58, of Sparkill, passed away at home on March 18, 2017 with family members at his side. Hank was born in Brooklyn, NY and lived in Sparkill for over 52 years. Hank served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Forest Sherman. He was a retired electrician from the the NYS Thruway Authority for over 30 years. Hank spent most of his time working on the Tappan Zee Bridge. He was a NY Giants fan and enjoyed riding his motorcycle on short and long trips.

Hank was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Marian and his sister, Janet Foresta. He is survived by his loving daughter, Jennifer, and his adored granddaughters Mackenzie and Marian. He is also survived by his brothers and their wives, Edward and Patricia, James and Maryellen and brother in-law Thomas Foresta. He was beloved “Uncle Hank” to 10 nieces, nephews, and 4 great nephews. He is fondly remembered by his many friends.

Gary Kaplan, 66

1958 – Oct 24, 2024

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Gary Lee Kaplan, age 66, on October 24, 2024 after a years-long battle with cancer. He died peacefully surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his beloved sons, Andrew and Sam, his brother, Richard (Sharon), and two nephews, Daniel and Jonathan, as well as many cousins and many friends. He was the son of the late Sidney and Charlene Kaplan. Gary was a graduate of Yale and the University of Chicago Law School, a lawyer, a pianist, a golfer, and a dog lover.

Pauline Keramidas, 17

1958 – 1976

Pauline C. Keramidas, 17, of Orangeburg, died at Columbia Presbyterian Hosipital, NYC, after a long illness.

Born in Plattsburg, she was raised in Orangeburg and graduated with the Class of 1976. She was a parishioner of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in West Nyack.

She is survived by her parents, Gus and Helen; sister, Harriet; her paternal Grandmother, Mrs. Pauline Keramidas; her maternal grandparents, Constantine and Hariklia Papaparos of Greece.

Many of us remember Pauline’s funeral with great sadness as she was our first friend to have been lost. She was an absolutely lovely girl who we greatly missed.

Steven McConville, 32

Aug 14, 1958 – 1990

Steven James McConville, a maintenance engineer from Orangeburg died at Nyack Hospital from injuries received an an accident. He was 32.

He was born in New York City to Mathew and Georgina McConville of Tappan. He graduated from TZHS in 1976 and was a member of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Tappan.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by brothers Matthew, of Denver; Brian of Tappan; and John of Albany.

Eileen Moane, 31

1958 – 1989

The only reference to Eileen’s death was a mention that she predeceased her father, found in his obituary from 2008.

Andy Molatch, 56

1958 – July 6, 2014

Andrew P. Molatch, 56, formerly of Blauvelt, NY, passed away with loving family by his side on July 6, 2014 following a long battle with cancer.

Andy was the son of Ross and Joyce Molatch. His love of the outdoors was kindled when he was Boy Scout in his youth and grew into a life-long passion. In High School he excelled at sports — notably being on the football team — and graduated with the Class of 1976. He later attended Rockland Community College.

He retired from the Charlotte, North Carolina police department in 2009 and became the department’s chaplain the following year. In 2013, he was officially ordained as a pastor.

Andy was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and hiking. He had an exceptional talent for carpentry and loved building custom homes and furniture.

He is survived by his wife Denise, sons Jordan, Graham and Shawn, grandson Logan, siblings Gregory, Stephen, Walter and Barbara, and many nieces and nephews.

Apr 8, 1958 – Apr 5, 2017

Thomas O’Morrissey, 42

1958 — Aug 10, 2000

Thomas E. O’Morrissey, 42, was a resident of Marietta, GA.

He is survived by his wife of 15 years Diane O’Morrissey; sons, John and David O’Morrissey; parents, William and Mary Ann O’Morrissey of Piermont, NY; brother, William O’Morrissey of Middleton, NY; sisters, Catherine Hackman of Tucson, AZ, and Elizabeth Jarnigan of Raleigh, NC; mother-in-law, Pauline Zwolenski of Lodi, NJ; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary Ruffino, 62

Jan 5, 1958 – Apr 24, 2020

Posted by Stephanie Berg:

Today we lost my hilarious Godmother, Aunt Mary, to COVID. The one who always sat at the kids table and was the first to lead our sing-a-longs. The one who left big red kiss marks on all our gifts, of which there was a never ending supply. The one who would come late to the party with more appetizers than anyone could ever eat.

She would convince us to stay up late, play one more game, tell one more joke. What I wouldn’t give for the chance.

She was the keeper of our memories and the storyteller that brought us all together.

Remember Mary: be kind to someone less fortunate, especially the elderly; support animal rescue; buy an antique or listen to Bette Midler

I love you.

Allan Seeback, 62

1958 – April 23, 2020
Allan F. Seebach, Jr., 62, of Tappan, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2020 from complications of Covid19. Beloved husband of the late Norma (nee Rufo). Cherished father of Allan F. Seebach, III, Kristyn Gelhaus and her husband Thomas, Matthew and Amanda. Loving son of Allan and Mary Seebach. Proud grandfather of Allan IV, Thomas, Joseph, Michael and Emma. Dear brother of John and wife Marsha, Michael and wife Vanessa, Candy Clay and husband Timothy and William. He is also survived by many other loving relatives and friends.

Allan was owner of The Old and Weary Car Shop in Tappan. He was superintendent of greens at Blue Hill Golf Course. Allan was a member of the O&W Historical Society. He had also worked at Rockland Country Club for many years. Al was a devoted life member of the Tappan Fire Department for 44 years. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle and a loyal friend to all. He will be dearly missed.

Charlie Sharon, 60

1958 – Jan 9, 2018

Charlie Sharon passed suddenly on January 9. Charlie was a Past President RCVFA 1998-1999, Director and Town Vice President. Charlie joined the RCVFA in 1979 and served on several committees and member of the RC Fire Advisory Board and Past RC Fire Services Museum Board Member and a RC Fire Instructor. Charlie was also a Past President of the Rockland County Fire Police Association and the Rockland County Fire Safety Officers Association. Charlie was also a life member of the Orangeburg Fire Association, and a former member of Nanuet FD and Hugh Gassner Fire Co. South Spring Valley. Charlie was active in the NJ-NY Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Firemen’s Association State of NY, Southern NY VFA, Hudson Valley VFA, Associate Member Rockland County Fire Chief’s Association and NY State Fire Chief’s. Charlie also worked at Rockland Paramedics and formerly at the Rockland County Sheriff’s Communications Center (44-Control) as an emergency dispatcher. He also served as a sergeant in the Orangetown Police Auxilliary and was member of the South Orangetown Ambulance Corps. Besides his wife and the emergency services, Charlies other love was collecting toys.

Debra Lynn Topf, 59

1958 – July 5, 2017
Debra Lynn Topf, a resident of Teaneck, NJ, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2017. A life taken too soon, Debbie is survived by her life partner Frank Branda, mother Elaine Topf, sister Donna Larkin, brother in law Kenny Larkin, nephews Justin Larkin, Zach Larkin and Jordan Topf. Debbie was predeceased by her brother Robert Topf and father Herbert Topf.

Debbie will also be missed greatly by her dog Chloe. She will always be remembered for her warm heart and her love for children and animals.

(Photo of Debra and her mom Elaine – 2016)

Charles Vilbig, 59

Oct 6, 1958 — Oct 12, 2017
Charles ‘Chuck’ C. Vilbig, 59, of Blauvelt, died suddenly on October 12, 2017 at Nyack Hospital. He was born in the Bronx on October 6, 1958 to Helen and Walter ‘Chip’ Vilbig. Charles was a technician for Verizon for 27 years. He proudly served in the US Marine Corps before being honorably discharged in 1981.

Charles is survived by his wife of 34 years, Jean; his son Jason C. and girlfriend Jen and Andrew J.; sisters, Catherine Garbarini and Jeanne Vilbig; his brother Francis; and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Margaret Russo and his brothers, John and Paul Vilbig.

John Vilbig, 43

Feb 21, 1957 — Dec 31, 2000
John D. Vilbig, died December 31, 2000 in Prescott, AZ.

John was a member of Tappan Zee High School’s class of 1976 and will always be remembered for his talent as an artist and graphic designer.

He is survived by his daughter, Chelsea of Tappan, his mother, Helen of Blauvelt, brothers, Charles C. and Frank L. of the Home Address, Paul A. of Gardiner, NY; sisters, Catherine M. Garbarini of Fairlawn, NJ, and Jeanne F. LoTurco of New Hampton, NY. Also survived by 10 nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his father Walter R. (Chip) Vilbig and his sister, Margaret R. (Meg) Russo.

Karley (Weiss) Facciola, 64

May 6, 1958 – May 12, 2022
Karley S. Facciola, age 64, passed away after a brief illness at her home surrounded by her loving family on May 12, 2022. She was the daughter of the late Morton and Shirley Weiss of Orangeburg, New York.

Karley is survived by her devoted husband John Facciola of 38 years, cherished children; Chris Facciola and wife Nicole of Manhattan, NY., Tim Facciola and wife Colleen of Gold Canyon, Arizona and Stephanie Petrina and husband Stephen of White Plains, NY. Also survived by her brothers Jeffrey and Bradley Weiss.

In abiding with Karley’s wishes, funeral arrangements were private. A Celebration of Karley’s Life will be at a later date. In loving memory of Karley S. Facciola, Memorial Donations may be made to United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956.

James Zanfardino, 57

May 26, 1958 – Apr 22, 2016
James J. Zanfardino, Sr., age 57, passed away Friday, April 22, 2016 unexpectedly at Brigham and Women’s hospital with his loving family surrounding him.

Jim was born in the Bronx, NY on May 26, 1958 to John and the late Dorothy (nee Virgilio) Zanfardino. He was raised in Orangeburg, NY and was a graduate of Tappan Zee High School; later he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business from Pace University. Jim moved to Massachusetts in his adult life to pursue a prosperous career, though he never forgot his New York roots.

Jim worked for many years as a representative for Verizon and was a proud member of IBEW Local 2323. Jim greatly enjoyed traveling and loved a great meal. He appreciated a fine glass of wine and enjoyed touring wineries. He was a generous and kind man, who put others needs ahead of his own. He had the most contagious smile that would light up any room.

Jim left a memorable impression on anyone he met. He enjoyed life to the fullest; everything about Jim will be sorely missed.

Jim is survived by his dear partner and “forever girl”, Cindy Supernor, his two sons, James J. Zanfardino, Jr. and his wife Nichole of Worcester and John J. Zanfardino and his wife Sarah of Worcester; two daughters, Shanna Roy of Somerville and Amber Roy of Worcester; his father, John Zanfardino of Tappan, NY; his sister, Lucille Starink (Frank) of Tappan, NY; his brothers, John Zanfardino (Joanne) of Mahwah, NJ and Phillip Zanfardino of San Diego, CA; and five grandsons, Anthony, Vincenzo, Domenico, Zachary and Benjamin. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Gail (Dell’Olio) Zanfardino and his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Chistopher Zimmermann, 28

Jan 3, 1957 – 1985
Christopher Zimmerman, 28, a 1976 TZHS graduate and resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, died after a prolonged illness at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital in Miami. He was the son of Charles and Regina Zimmermann of Orangeburg. He is survived by siblings, Claire, REgina, Carl, and Leo.