Contributions to the tribute of Bernice LaPorta

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We met in class while getting our Masters Degree in 1977 and remained friends and eventually business associates. Bernice saw in me more than I saw in myself, and encouraged me,advised me, mentored me and gave me sisterly advice on everything from career decisions to matters of the heart when I was at my lowest. Bernice, I will miss you. I hope you will be the first face I see when I get to heaven. but please, no cameras.

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Massimo Marini posted a condolence

We met in class while getting our Masters Degree in 1977 and remained friends and eventually business associates. Bernice saw in me more than I saw in myself, and encouraged me,advised me, mentored me and gave me sisterly advice on everything from career decisions to matters of the heart when I was at my lowest. Bernice, I will miss you. I hope you will be the first face I see when I get to heaven. but please, no cameras.

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Lenny Argese posted a condolence

Bernie: You will be deeply missed.

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Richard Morrow posted a condolence

Bernice, you will be missed by many, but never forgotten. Your spirit and zest for life shined through at all times and those who got to know you whether for a lifetime or just in passing were blessed for it.

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Ed & Dee Migliaccio posted a condolence

Dear Bernie, Just a note to tell you we were so contented knowing the care and love you focused on Bernice throughout her illness. She was blessed to have you at her side. As you were blessed being a part of her precious life. We hope our family can be a source of strength during your healing process. We all miss the happy, smiling face! We share in your loss! Love, Ed & Dee Migliaccio

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Annette D'Agostino Lloyd posted a condolence

Bernice was one of the best friends I had in the world - always enthusiastic and upbeat, radiant and full of life. It is hard to put into words how sad I feel, knowing that this world is now minus a true angel - my only consolation is that Heaven now has her, a shining angel who will continue to spread her light. I celebrate her - and my many years as her friend. Bernie - my love and prayers to you. And, Niecie: Netsie loved you to pieces. Annette Lloyd Sylmar, CA

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Mary Carrafa posted a condolence

Bernice, May The Lord welcome you with open arms into His Heavenly Kingdom.May you Rest in Peace

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Annette D'Agostino Lloyd posted a condolence

Bernice was one of the best friends I had in the world - always enthusiastic and upbeat, radiant and full of life. It is hard to put into words how sad I feel, knowing that this world is now minus a true angel - my only consolation is that Heaven now has her, a shining angel who will continue to spread her light. I celebrate her - and my many years as her friend. Bernie - my love and prayers to you. And, Niecie: Netsie loved you to pieces. Annette Lloyd Sylmar, CA

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Fran Curcio-Gilmartin posted a condolence

My first memory of Bernice was on my first day of third grade. I am 47 years old now and she was my teacher back then. I always told everyone she was my favorite teacher at St. Mary's. I saw her around occasionally as I grew older. She was a very special person and I am deeply saddened by her passing.

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Mary Ellen Rizzo posted a condolence

Visiting Bernice and Bernie during Christmas when I was younger with my mom, dad and sister, Joanne, was always something I looked forward to. I still use a Christmas plate she gave me when I was a teenager. (I've been married almost 24 years now). Bernice always made everyone feel so welcome and her smile made you always feel so good. When I first met her, I couldn't believe how happy and cheerful she always was. No one is like that all the time, but every time I saw her, she was. I never ever remember her NOT smiling. Bernie, my dad always said how lucky you were and he was right. Bernice, I also admire the path your career took. Some of us go into "safe" careers and don't take chances. I always admired you for starting your business and being a pioneer in that field but always being there to support your husband. More of us should do what makes us happy. Your suffering is over now, Bernice, and you can continue to smile in heaven. Love, cousin, Mary Ellen

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DAVID DELMASTRO posted a condolence

DEAR BERNIE, WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT BERNICE. SHE HAS BEEN A PART OF OUR FAMILY AND OUR LIVES AS FAR BACK AS I CAN REMEMBER. I'M GOING TO TAKE OUT MY WEDDING VIDEO AND USE IT AS A WAY TO REMEMBER AND SAY GOODBYE TO BERNICE. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU BERNIE. LOVE, DAVE AND RHONDA

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tiziana quattrone posted a condolence

My dearest friend, you have been my sister, my guide, and my confidant. You have always been there for me and for Robert, Francesco and Giovanni. Now you are gone, but you will never be gone from my heart. Your courage, your generosity, your sincerety, and warmth, will continue guiding me through life. With love, Tiziana

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Roberta Salsbury Jaworski posted a condolence

"Neesey" you will be missed. Having known you for almost 40 years, I don't know where to begin to salute your life. Always quick humor, always there when I needed input. A GREAT teacher, a great friend Many amazing episodes, both as English teachers and videographers. The students at Waldwick High School that you mentored profitted greatly from your expertise and your cordial manner. I will never forget how you took over during our state grant project after my car accident. A wonderful addition to the world leaves it so much better than before. Say "hello" to God for me for I know you are there with him cameras rolling issuing a smiling "Stand By." Love, Roberta Jaworski and Leon

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gina sternar (mastromauro) posted a condolence

may our deepest sympathy go to bernard and family, our prayers and thoughts are with you. cousin from australia xoxo

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Rob,Lisa, Alex and Samantha Perna posted a condolence

Dear Bernie, We are so sorry for your loss. We are going to miss our Niecee so very much! She had such a beautiful soul and a uplifting spirit. She brought us so much joy and laughter. She would light up a room as soon as she entered. We will miss her beautiful smile and the twinkle in her eyes. We are so truely blessed having Niecee as our friend! We pray that God comforts you during this very difficult time. Love Always, Rob & Lisa

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Bob Kulik posted a condolence

Bernie, I'm so very sorry to hear about your wife. My wife Eileen and I want you to know that all our prayers and thoughts are with you. There is nothing one can say that will make this time better. Stay strong, I'm sure God and your family will help you through this difficult time. God Bless, stay strong. We love you. Bob and Eileen Kulik

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Elisa Kolenut posted a condolence

Bernice was always a great teacher! She was a wonderful lady..always cheery, friendly & warm. She encouraged me as a child to do my best! She will be missed & God now has a wonderful angel with him!

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Elyse Miranda posted a condolence

Dear Bernie, I am deeply saddened by your loss. Berniece always made me laugh and she had such a wonderous wit and sense of humor. She was a shining light and I will never forget the times we had together. Stay strong. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Elyse Miranda

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Dennis Dinsmore posted a condolence

I was very sorry to hear that Bernice passed away, I will always remember her and her sense of humor while watching handball matches with our respective, beverage of choice. She will be missed. Once again my condolences and from the handball players around the state.

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George Rizzi posted a condolence

Bernie: My sincerest, sincerest condolences! Your wife is beautiful....I'm sorry I never got to meet her. My thoughts and prayers are with you! George The Happenings

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Frank & Jan Del Mastro posted a condolence

Dear Bernie, We are greatly saddened to hear about Bernice. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family at this time. Bernice will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her. All our love, Frank and Jan.

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Bob Miranda posted a condolence

I have such great memories of her from so many years ago. From the 60's til now we have remaimed the best of friends. I will miss her as I know so many others will too. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. Bernie I hope you find strenth in knowing what a great person she was and what a great love you shared. Bob & Iris Miranda

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Susan & Bruce Fusco posted a condolence

Dear Bernie, We are very sorry to her about Bernice. Her smile was a ray of sunshine that brighten everything in her path! I will always remember all the fun we had with "EMERALDS", all the New Years Eve we spent together and especially the bus rides into the city to the circle line......thank god for memories!! May God give you the strength you need to get through this very difficult time. Bernie, when you look up at sky and see the brightest star shinning down upon you, know thats its Bernice giving you a sign that she is OK. We know have another "ANGEL GIRL" looking out for us! Love Ya Bernie, God Bless, Sue and Bruce

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jean & Monique Wiart posted a condolence

Bernice remains for us ,Monique and myself , and all of us at Les Metalliers Champenois , the very appreciated video professionnal who made possible the realization of remarkable video movies of Historic restoration projects we did . She did it in the so warm and kind , and patient manner that was Bernice's way of being with people . we do miss her so very much . With regrets . Jean and Monique of LMC Corp . Also , our sympathies to her husband .

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Joe and Patty De Stefano posted a condolence

We are very saddened to learn of Bernice's passing....she was truly a wonderful and caring friend. She always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She will be missed by all who knew her.

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KathyO'neill posted a condolence

I remember Bernice from our high school days at St Mary's. She was taken from us too quickly. My very sincerest sympathies to her family and friens.

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Sandy Guiliano posted a condolence

Your light will never gocut. It will always shine in our hearts and minds. With love, Sandy Guiliano

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Natalie & Alana Fraraccio posted a condolence

Although we didn't get a chance to meet you, mummy and daddy talked about you so much and how much of a nice person you are, mummy will miss speaking with you every month, she always looked forward to this. Love you, Natalie and Alana Fraraccio from Australia. xxx

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John Teresa Natalie & Alana posted a condolence

Dear Bernie, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time, so sad to happen to such a beautiful person, she was one in a million. As we live so far away from each other we wish we could be closer to you, we will remember her and that beautiful smile she always had. Our love to you and Antoinette.

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Marlene Brock Adler posted a condolence

My memory of Bernice is from St. Mary High School - she was in my sister Linda Brock Leffingwell's class. Bernice had the heartiest laugh and beautiful smile and I admired her talent and creativity. And I always felt Bernie and Bernie made such a wonderful couple. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Joanne Mastromauro Reed posted a condolence

My first memory of Bernice is when I was 6 years old. I am 44 now and I met her for the first time right before my Cousin Bernie and Bernice got married. I actually remember the time and place and the kind words she said about me and my sister. She said how Bernie thought so highly of his little cousins. She has been part of my family almost as long as I have. We love her and will miss her.

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Joanne Mastromauro Reed posted a condolence

My first memory of Bernice is when I was 6 years old. I am 44 now and I met her for the first time right before my Cousin Bernie and Bernice got married. I actually remember the time and place and the kind words she said about me and my sister. She said how Bernie thought so highly of his little cousins. She has been part of my family almost as long as I have. We love her and will miss her.

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Frezzi posted a condolence

Remembering Bernice with love from everyone at Frezzi.

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Melissa Salsbury posted a condolence

Bernie, you are in my thoughts in this time of loss. From video shoots, to all of the family get togethers, to the time she helped Mom and I kill the monster spider- the constant memory will always be Bernice's quick and inteligent sense of humor. She made me laugh when I was 3 and she kept me laughing through my 30s. Having had the opportunity to know Bernice is truly a gift that I will cherish forever.

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Carol Dubovick posted a condolence

I will always remember Bernie's laughter and the joy she brought to all of us at St. Mary's. I particularly remember our retreat and fetching spring water at Tilt Street. We were in contact from time to time by email and we spoke on the phone and recollected our times at St. Mary's. She will be deeply missed and I send my condolences to her family and friends. You will always be remembered, Bernie.

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Carol Dubovick posted a condolence

I will always remember Bernie's laughter and the joy she brought to all of us at St. Mary's. I particularly remember our retreat and fetching spring water at Tilt Street. We were in contact from time to time by email and we spoke on the phone and recollected our times at St. Mary's. She will be deeply missed and I send my condolences to her family and friends. You will always be remembered, Bernie.

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Carol Dubovick posted a condolence

I will always remember Bernie's laughter and the joy she brought to all of us at St. Mary's. I particularly remember our retreat and fetching spring water at Tilt Street. We were in contact from time to time by email and we spoke on the phone and recollected our times at St. Mary's. She will be deeply missed and I send my condolences to her family and friends. You will always be remembered, Bernie.

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Carol Dubovick posted a condolence

I will always remember Bernie's laughter and the joy she brought to all of us at St. Mary's. I particularly remember our retreat and fetching spring water at Tilt Street. We were in contact from time to time by email and we spoke on the phone and recollected our times at St. Mary's. She will be deeply missed and I send my condolences to her family and friends. You will always be remembered, Bernie.

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Carol Dubovick posted a condolence

I will always remember Bernie's laughter and the joy she brought to all of us at St. Mary's. I particularly remember our retreat and fetching spring water at Tilt Street. We were in contact from time to time by email and we spoke on the phone and recollected our times at St. Mary's. She will be deeply missed and I send my condolences to her family and friends. You will always be remembered, Bernie.

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Dan Cleary posted a condolence

I worked with Bernice for many years at WPC/WPU. Bernice always had a smile on her face. She was always 'up'. Even when she was angry. She touched a lot of people in her short time here and she will be missed by all.

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Ellen & Larry Coppa posted a condolence

Bernie had a great personality. Her smile and laughter will be greatly missed. We first met at St. Mary's in the 4th grade.Although we were on different life paths, we always kept in touch thru the years via E-mail or an occasional phone call. She will be greatly missed by anyone who had contact with her.

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John Balji posted a condolence

Bernice was always there for me when I needed help, even when I never asked for it. She was always caring, loving and very helpful. She was the happiest person and always tried to cheer me up when I was down. She had and will have a special place in my heart. Bernie, my deepest condolences.

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Brian Gorski posted a condolence

I had Bernice for a professor for a few of my courses at William Paterson, and through-out my college career helped her with her Video-Toaster many times. I think what I'll remember most about Bernice is that she was someone that always wanted to get everything done, even to the point of at my wedding, my wife and I telling her at the reception several times "Your a guest now, put down the camera and enjoy." I will definately miss this bright personality being on the earthly plane, and wish nothing but good for her, and those who surrounded her in her life.

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Sandra Kuhn posted a condolence

Bernice videotaped my wedding.. she was lovely person and I'm so sorry to hear of her passing.

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Ed Kuhn posted a condolence

Great person! I had come to know Bernice from the video bussines but built a freind ship with her, My fondest memory was her video taping ing my wedding She will be missed..

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Janey DeLuca posted a condolence

Bernice's smile and laughter could light up any get-together. We met at St. Mary's and although our contacts after graduation were few, it was always fun to talk with Bernice. She will be missed!

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Dolores La Porta posted a condolence

Her happy, smiling face & love of her family & many friends will be greatly missed.

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Damon LaPorta posted a condolence

I remember Aunt Bernice as a friendly, outspoken and intelligent person. I liked her and I had friends who were her English students and they knew and liked her too. I remember she loved the humanities and she was very well read. I remember one time she told me I looked like Lord Byron. That inspired me to start reading poetry and to be a free spirit. I remember when I graduated 8th grade, she gave me a copper sculpture of a bird's wings and told me; "be free and follow your dreams and live life to the fullest". Her husband Bennie played the guitar for my graduation theme song Teach Your Children. My condolences to you uncle Bennie. I know Bernice followed her dreams because I remember that she loved the communication arts especially video production. This was her calling as it made her very happy. Her eyes would light up and she had would smile form ear to ear any time she talked about it. Also, she was a practical, down to earth person and she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. One time I remember I was working for a home builder framing houses in West Paterson, she came up to the job site to look at the new homes there and I saw her and walk up to her. She was happy to see me and during our conversation she got right to the point. She asked me if these homes are any good. I knew they weren't built too good and I told her so. She thanked me for being honest and I was glad to give her the inside scoop. Also, I'll never forget all the times when I was a kid that she and uncle Bennie came to visit us during the holidays. She was always cheerful and would give that wonderful smile of hers. Although I never told her, I always admired her successes in life and I was very happy for her when she started Berlap Productions. I'm sure she is making a lot of angles in heaven very happy right now with her cheerful smile. I love you Aunt Bernice. Goodbye and good luck on your new journey.

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The Malone Family posted a condolence

Dear Bernie we are so sorry to hear about the loss of Bernice. She is one special angel looking down on you. May she rest in peace. Bob & Marlene Malone & the kids.

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Joan & Pete Gilberti posted a condolence

Dear Bernie: So sad to hear of Bernie's passing. We will remember her fondly and will keep her in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you the strength to bear you loss. Love, Joan & Pete Gilberti

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Thursday, August 10, 2017

Bernice LaPorta

1946 - 2008

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