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 at his mother’s home on, Oct. 9, 1996, . 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 TZ High School. He graduated from Fordham University 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 will always be remembered as a champion pole vaulter. He parlayed a relentless work ethic, competitive streak, ample self-confidence and a showman’s flair to become one of the 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.
Lance moving to Florida in 1989 with his partner, Carmen, residing in Coconut Creek. He worked as a transportation coordinator for the Iron Mountain records management company. Lance had one son, Brandon, 29.
Lorraine (Bercovitch) Edelhoff, 51
Nov 3, 1958 – Nov 18, 2009
Michael Blazquez, 35
March 9,1960 – March 3,1995
During high school, Michael took advanced classes at Stevens Institute and Rockland Community College, allowing him to graduate early from TZ. At just sixteen, he enrolled at MIT in Boston, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics. Following his graduation, he relocated to Palo Alto, California, and founded Adroit Software, a privately owned venture. He went on to complete a Master’s degree in Computer Science at Stanford University, where he also served as an adjunct professor, teaching physics.
In addition to his academic role, Michael worked as a private computer consultant. His largest client was the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in Palo Alto, for whom he developed several impactful software programs. One of his most significant achievements was designing a comprehensive financial model of all power stations in the United States, enabling EPRI to forecast future energy infrastructure needs. Among his proudest accomplishments was the creation of Bapman, an innovative search engine tailored for EPRI’s use. Michael’s programming expertise was widely respected and highly valued by his clients.
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.
Andrew Mark Callahan, 67
Sept 5, 1957 – Dec 17, 2024
Born in Suffern, NY and died in Myrtle Beach, SC
Alana Carey, 66
1958 – Oct 26, 2025
William Cody
1958 – before 1996
Mitchell Cole, 67
Mar 27, 1958 – Dec 4, 2025
Mitchell J Cole passed away at the age of 67 from complications of early Alzheimer’s. He left behind his loving wife Andrea (married June 28, 1987) and two beautiful children, Ashley L. his daughter and Jordan M. his son.
He was a great husband, father, brother and friend to whoever he came in contact with.
(Photo of Mitchell and Andrea, 2020)
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
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.
Bobby Emmert
Bobby was born in Yonkers and moved to Rockland as a baby. He was a charismatic and popular student and graduated TZHS with the Class of 1976.
He died in a car accident shortly after graduation and, since his family requested there not be an obituary printed, we found no further information.
Elena Ferrante, 66
1958 – Nov 11, 2024
Elena M. Ferrante of Sparkill, passed away after a long illness at the age of 66.
Elena was predeceased in February 2024 by her adoring domestic partner Michael Wallace. She is survived by her sisters, Laura Ferrante (Richard Weissberg) and Elizabeth Neville, nephews, Matthew Capuano, Conor Neville (Meg Neville) and niece Reilly Neville, great nieces, Eleanor Neville and Camila Capuano and stepmother, Joyce Ferrante as well as many beloved pets.
After high school, Elena attended Fordham University majoring in business. She worked in pharmaceutical sales and later ran her own company, Vanda Properties..
Elena and Mike enjoyed raising exotic dogs and cats, growing orchids, and land conservation. Elena loved vintage movies and antiques and was her family’s historian and keeper of memories. She had a sharp wit, an incredible memory, a keen sense of humor and a loyal love for family and friends. She will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.
Linda (Flood) Alderman, 59
Studied at Westchester Community College
Lived in Tappan, NY
Anthony Florio, 21
1957 – 1978
Anthony Fortunato, 35
Anthony C. Fortunato of Blauvelt 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.
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.
Kenneth Fund, 65
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.
Virginia Gaffney, 36
Stacey Gersten, 48
Sheryl Gathers, 44
Joe Giarnella, 56
Jill Hamell, 61
Henry Hassenkamp, 58
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
Pauline Keramidas, 17
Stephen Mariani, 67
Marco Island, FL – A tragic watercraft accident took the lives of two Marco Island residents on Sunday after their jet ski struck a boat lift on Caxambas Bay. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has identified the victims as 67-year-old Stephen R. Mariani and 49-year-old Rita Mariani.
According to officials, the pair were traveling together on a personal watercraft when they collided with the stationary boat lift. The force of the impact caused both individuals to be ejected into the water. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, but neither rider survived.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the investigation into the fatal crash. At this time, it is unclear what caused the jet ski to strike the lift or whether mechanical issues, speed, or visibility played a role.
Stephen and Rita Mariani were both residents of Marco Island, and their deaths have deeply impacted the local community.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the Mariani family and all who are grieving this tragic loss
Steven McConville, 32
Eileen Moane, 31
Andy Molatch, 56
Michael Namme, 59
Apr 8, 1958 – Apr 5, 2017
Michael, formerly of Orangeburg, NY, died of a heart attack at home in Clifton, NJ. A happy photo of Michael with his wife Diana Anaglate taken in 2012.
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.
William Horn Prince, 59
Feb 4, 1958 – Nov 22, 2017
My sweet, twin brother
William Horn Printz (Bill to everyone) Named after our grandfather “Wild Bill Horn” who, back in the 1930’s, was a famous speed boat driver for the Dodge automobile company.
Bill was one of the most naturally gifted musicians I had ever known and very much like our grandfather in his ability to take praise and not let it affect his personality. Bill was a very humble young man.
He was my idol. He was selfless, kind, generous, brilliant and a bit of a quiet renaissance man. Bill was mechanically inclined as well. The exact opposite of me.
While playing in several bands post high school his incredible talent within the local musician circles really started to blossom. I was sure that he was going to become a famous musician or guitarist or music producer. . . He could listen to any guitar riff and within 2 tries he would mimic it perfectly. Whether it guitar or keyboard. Santana? Jeff Beck? No problem! I was in awe. Most people who heard him play were also affected in the same way.
Bill left us on November 22, 2017, the day before Thanksgiving, way too soon
I miss him every single day.
Helen Petelli, 67
Helen Grace Petilli, a compassionate, kind-hearted, and resilient woman, passed away on July 21, 2025. Born in Bronx, New York, Helen was the beloved daughter of the late Eugene John Petilli, who predeceased her on December 24, 2016, and Josephine (Ramano) Baldanza, who resides in Deerfield Beach, FL.
After graduating college, Helen had a successful career as an Office Executive and Administrator. Her dedication and hard work were evident throughout her professional life.
Helen’s family was of utmost importance to her. She is survived by her brothers, Gene (Kim) Petilli of Lighthouse Point, FL, and Michael Petilli of Deerfield Beach, FL. She was also a cherished aunt to her nieces and nephews.
Diane (Radich) Byrne, 51
July 18, 1958 – July 17, 2009
Diane Marie Byrne, of Coral Springs, Florida, passed away on July 17, 2009. Formerly of Orangeburg, NY. Born in Bronx, New York on July 18, 1958 to Joseph and Mary Radich. Diane was predeceased by her husband Gerard Byrne who died in 1990. Survived by her son Christopher Byrne , her father Joseph and his wife Rose, her mother Mary , Brothers Steven and Joseph Radich. Diane is a graduate of Tappan Zee High School and University at Albany- SUNY, and served in the U.S. Army as Second Lieutenant.
Judith Gail Roujansky, 36
Aug 5, 1958 – Mar 20, 1996
Judith Gail Roujansky, of Piermont, died Wednesday, March 20, 1996 after being struck by a train in Ramsey, New Jersey. Born in NYC to Benjamin and Lillian Ranno Roujansky, she moved to Rockland County as an infant and graduated from Tappan Zee High School in 1976. She was a member of the TZHS choir.
Ms Roujansky was a special education teacher for the hearing imparted program of Bergen County Special Services at Ben Franklin School in Ridgewood, NJ. She was a member of the Parent-Teachers Organization of the NJ Teacher’s Union. She was a health enthusiast who loved swimming, she played piano and used her musical skills while teaching. She is survived by her father, of Orangeburg; a brother, Dan, of Miami; sister Carol of San Diego, and Susan of Albuquerque.
Mary Ruffino, 62
Posted by Stephanie Berg:
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.
Rajeev Manik Talwani, 64
Apr 11, 1959 – Nov 29, 2023
Rajeev passed away on November 29, 2023 in Altadena, California.
His father Manik died in 2023 and his obituary mentions Rajeeve: “Manik is survived by his son Rajeev Talwani and his wife, Carolyn McKnight, of Los Angeles, and their children.”
Link to Rajeeve’s father’s obituary.
Charlie Sharon, 60
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.
Audrey (Vilenius) MacDonald, 56
1958 – March 29, 2015
Audrey lived in Odessa, Florida and passed on March 29, 2015. She managed the concessions at Tampa Bay United Soccer Club, enjoyed the outdoors such as camping, fossil digging, and traveling. She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Vilenius. She is survived by her husband, Kevin MacDonald; two children, Riley and Randy MacDonald; mother, Andrea Vilenius; two brothers, Arthur Jr. and Carl Vilenius.
David Watkins, 56
1958 – 2014
Born in Piermont, NY, David attended TZHS and then went to NYU School of the Arts where he formed many lifelong friendships. He achieved acclaim as an interpreter of Sam Shepard’s works, in particular his 1978 Club 57 production of “Geography of a Horse Dreamer.”
David loved baseball, the Mets and the East River Rats softball team. David celebrated life; presiding for 26 years over a monthly dinner at various Indian restaurants in the East Village, where his braying laughter would bring pedestrians in from the street just to have a look, and hosting numerous celebrations of the summer solstice on his roof top.
Founder of Bootleg Theater, David wrote and directed “Ban Republican Marriage”, “Dialog of Insects”, “The Devil and Walter Cronkite”, and “Moon Saloon, A Play in 9 Innings”. His final play,” Not Dead Yet”, has ironically not produced in his lifetime.
He is survived by his family of friends in New York, his sisters Elizabeth and Mary, his nephews Arin and Matthew, and niece Alaina.
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.
On May 13, 2023, close friends and family came together at the Hudson Water Club, in Haverstraw, for a beautiful celebration of Karley’s life.
Gary Wright, 53
Jan 20, 1958 – May 2011
Some perfection is debatable. But in Telluride, one kind of perfection was not: Gary Wright as a skier.
Wright, long hailed as one of Telluride’s pioneering skiers, died at home in Lawson Hill amid a quiet snowstorm due to complications of late-stage melanoma. He was 53. Wright is survived by his wife, Michelle; his daughter, Celine; his brother, Eric; and his parents, Bob and Jane Wright of Princeville, Hawaii.
Gary grew up skiing, sailing, rock climbing and playing soccer, and his grace was evident in each endeavor he undertook.
At the age of 14, he attended Dave Farny’s Telluride Mountaineering School, which forever altered the trajectory of his life — he found out he was at home in the mountains.
Wright moved to Telluride permanently in 1978 with a degree in journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
He met his wife, Michelle, in 1984 when they were both writing for the Telluride Times. They were married in 1992, but had been together for 25 years. Their daughter, Celine, was born in 1993.
Wright had many jobs here: He was a writer for The Telluride Times and the San Miguel Journal, a cook and a server. He was a house painter for the majority of his time in Telluride, but above all, Wright was a skier.
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.
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.