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8 tree(s) planted in memory of Bernard LaPorta
Tom Giuliano & Bob and Iris Miranda
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Karla and Frank planted 3 trees in memory of Bernard LaPorta
Thursday, September 5, 2024
3 trees were planted in memory of
Bernard LaPorta
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We deeply cherish our memories of good times together and those memories will bring comfort when your loss seems too hard to bear. God Bless You. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Peter Nicolle posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
My wife Jean and I were saddened to hear of Bernie's passing. We had the pleasure to work as music teachers together in North Arlington for many years until his retirement. He always had a smile on his face and a lot of talent that he shared with us and his students. He was a great co-worker and a wonderful friend and will definitely be missed.
Peter Nicolle
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Joanne Reed posted a condolence
Friday, September 6, 2024
I was a little girl when my cousin Bernie “Junior” was in the Happenings. To say that he was a star in my eyes is an understatement. I worshipped him and Bernice as they were bigger than life together! So accomplished, so well traveled, so smart… so nice to me and my sister. They never treated us like just kids. They spoke to us like what we had to say really mattered. There’s was the first wedding I attended and it made me feel so important to be a
invited.
Bernie I will love and miss you forever. Thank you for all the memories. Beautiful Ginny , thank you for making him so happy and taking such good care of him. You are a blessing and a treasure. No one could have hoped for a better partner for my extraordinary cousin.
Sending all our love to you and your remarkable family.
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Rachel Anzaldo posted a condolence
Friday, September 6, 2024
To quote an unknown author “a memory is a photograph taken by the heart to make a special moment last forever.” Junior (as my family always called him) was a part of my life from childhood. He had such a gentle soul, was always caring and there whenever you needed to shoulder to lean on. I will always remember the days I saw him on the WP campus when he was pursuing his degree. We would just sit and talk even if it was for a few minutes. He made me feel like he was a brother - not just a long-time family friend.
Rest In Peace my friend.
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Christy Burns posted a condolence
Thursday, September 5, 2024
Mr. LaPorta was a wonderful teacher. His kindness, dedication to his students and his work was unsurpassed. He taught us to sing, about the history of music, and how to be good person. I’m so sorry I didn’t keep up with him after graduation. May he rest easy now.
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Damon & Sara planted a tree in memory of Bernard LaPorta
Thursday, September 5, 2024
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In memory of a beloved soul whose song touched every heart. Until we meet again, your spirit lives on in the beauty of nature. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Anonymous planted a tree in memory of Bernard LaPorta
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
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Dolores La Porta posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
He was Jr. to me. Always happy, playing with Gina & Damon in the pool when they were small. Helpful with his brothers during their sickness. Fun times watching him play with The Happenings & The Emeralds & playing handball & softball with his brothers Joe & Matt. God has blessed him. Now he has joined his brothers & probably playing handball in Heavon. Happily Ever After. So many fond memories.. I will miss this very kind gentle soul.
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Kelly Ward Mason posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Mr. LaPorta was my music teacher in middle and high school. He exposed us to the greatest music! I was already a Beatles fan when he had us sing "Yellow Submarine" and "With a Little Help from My Friends." But he also introduced us to "Everyday People," from Sly and the Family Stone which is not only a very cool song but had an important message. I also remember thinking he was really awesome to have a god record...he brought it in to show us!
I joined high school chorus because of Mr. LaPorta. He was patient and kind, a great teacher and a special man. He touched many lives and will be missed!
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Tom Giuliano & Bob and Iris Miranda purchased flowers
Sunday, September 1, 2024
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Tom Giuliano & Bob and Iris Miranda
purchased the Tranquil Hearts for the family of Bernard LaPorta.
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To great friend fantastic guitar player and Happening
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Joann Schumann posted a condolence
Friday, August 30, 2024
He was my favourite teacher and the reason why I love to sing. He had a grey tie with a keyboard printed on it that he wore all the time, I loved that tie. When I went to collect my yearbook from him, he wasn't in the chorus room but my book was with the keyboard tie in it! He gave me his tie, I never cried so hard in my life! He was simply the best person and I always admired him. Rest in peace Mr. LaPorta.
Much Love
Joann Schumann
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Jessica Goral lit a candle
Friday, August 30, 2024
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Mr. LaPorta left a lasting impression…he was a kind, gentle soul and had a ton of patience. I always loved hearing his stories of how he was in the happenings, how he brought a piece of history and kept it alive by singing old classics, in each class we had with him. I’ll never forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family…he left a beautiful legacy within the North Arlington school system.
Jessica Merwin (NAHS 2004)
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Heather Rokosny posted a condolence
Friday, August 30, 2024
Sorry for your loss. I will always remember singing the “yellow submarine” in class. Rest in peace. NAHS Class of 87
Heather Rokosny
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Ryan Cox lit a candle
Friday, August 30, 2024
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Mr. Laporta taught us kids how to sing at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in the 80’s. He was a great teacher and entertainer. My condolences to the family.
Ryan Cox
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Joe, Patty, John, and Fred DeStefano purchased flowers
Friday, August 30, 2024
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Joe, Patty, John, and Fred DeStefano
purchased the Florist's Choice Bouquet and planted a memorial tree for the family of Bernard LaPorta.
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Our deepest sympathy...we shall miss you brother.
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Joe, Patty, John, and Fred DeStefano planted a tree in memory of Bernard LaPorta
Friday, August 30, 2024
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Our deepest sympathy...we shall miss you brother. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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John Kennedy posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, August 30, 2024
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He was the first person to ever put a guitar in my hands, and told me that I had “perfect pitch”. When the rest of the school staff reveled in beating me down, he built me up, and I’ll remember that for the rest of my life. Thank you for sharing your gift of music with me, a gift that has supported me through some of the hardest times. You were the singular light in a very dark place, and I am forever grateful to you.
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S.Delaney posted a condolence
Friday, August 30, 2024
Mr. LaPorta was by far one of the most influential, dedicated, and special educators I was fortunate enough to have and I’m saddened to learn of his passing. For his family, I hope the outpour of love & impact from former students is a comfort and joy to receive. He was so dedicated to the craft and history of music and this will forever live on in both his discography and generations of his former students!
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Bill Kennedy posted a condolence
Friday, August 30, 2024
Family,
I am an old handball friend of Bernie, having competed against him in the North Jersey Handball League going back to the 1960s. We also played together at the Elmwood Park AC and in Wayne at LA Fitness.
We once talked about high school and we came away thinking that we had played against each other in baseball.
In addition to being a great teacher and musician, Bernie was an even better person. There was literally nothing to dislike about him.
Bernie LaPorta -- may he rest in peace.
Bill Kennedy
Retired in Otisfield, Maine
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Joseph DeStefano posted a condolence
Friday, August 30, 2024
Bernie has been a dear friend of mine for over 70 years. We experienced both happy and sad times together. We enjoyed playing football, baseball, and softball together along with our brothers and friends. When we got together with friends, we laughed so hard that our bellies ached.
Bernie was beloved by anyone who had the privilege of knowing and meeting him. If you needed a shoulder to cry on or just to talk with, he was always readily available. He will be truly missed, but he will never be forgotten. I will treasure all the fond memories we shared together.
I know they have a special place for you in heaven because you were a very special and genuinely nice person the entire time you were on earth. Rest in peace, my dear friend.....
Joe and Patty DeStefano
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Amanda Riccardi posted a condolence
Friday, August 30, 2024
Mr. LaPorta was my music and chorus teacher for many years in North Arlington. He was very sweet and had lots of patience! We loved to hear his stories, hear him sing and play instruments and enjoyed spending time with him. My condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed.
Amanda Zarro
North Arlington class of 2004
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The Smolen Family posted a condolence
Friday, August 30, 2024
Rest In Peace Mr LaPorta. Thank you for leaving a lasting impression and very very good memories from High School for all three of my children. You certainly were an inspiration to them and probably every one of your students. You certainly will never be forgotten. My condolences to the family.
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Danielle lit a candle
Friday, August 30, 2024
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Mr. LaPorta was a great music teacher with fun assignments like choosing a song to present/perform to the class. Chorus practice was always fun at lunch time for us. I was lucky enough to have him while in middle school before he retired.
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Yvette Cruz posted a condolence
Friday, August 30, 2024
Mr. LaPorta was my music teacher and chorus teacher at NAHS. He loved teaching his passion for music and sharing his life stories with our class. I remember singing many classic songs including those by the Beatles and Elvis. I always thought how cool it was that he was part of a 60s band. He was so talented and dedicated to teaching, even on the hardest days, he was the best!
May you rest in peace
Yvette Cruz
NAHS C/O 2003
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Jamie-Day Geiger posted a condolence
Friday, August 30, 2024
Mr. LaPorta was our high school music teacher. He was passionate about music and passed along that passion to his students. My friends and I joined the chorus because of him. Always a great sport with a LOT of patience. May he rest in peace.
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John Bakalian planted a tree in memory of Bernard LaPorta
Thursday, August 29, 2024
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May you rest in peace. My old friend. You will be missed!!! Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Rita Bracco posted a condolence
Thursday, August 29, 2024
So sorry to hear of the passing of Bernie. I grew up listening to The Happenings with my best friend. Good music, good time - see ya on the other side Bernie - keep on playing!
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Elaine Gemma lit a candle
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
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We will always remember Uncle Bernie for his wit and his many talents. He was an amazing athlete and musician, and as such was our most famous relation. He was a racquetball champion whose skills were well known and respected in the area. He was also a musician of note who can be heard on the song, See You In September and who also played with our prestigious local bands. He wrote commercial jingles, he was a teacher, he was loving and considerate and a loyal friend. People all over New Jersey knew Bernie for one or the other of these many facets of his personality. We were always proud to call him “uncle”. Our thoughts and love are with Ginny and the family at this time.
Elaine, Nick, Noelle & Melanie Gemma
A Memorial Tree was planted for Bernard LaPorta
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Festa Memorial Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Bernard LaPorta uploaded a photo
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
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Ronni Nochimson posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
My family and I were just looking at an old video from our father Dr. Seymour Nochimson’s 60th birthday on Sunday and Bernie had the sweetest things to say about our father, his lifetime physician. We all commented that Bernie was one of the kindest and most wonderful guys ever. So sad to lose such a beautiful soul.
Ronni Nochimson
111 Union Boulevard
Totowa, NJ 07512
Phone: (973) 790-8686
Robert P. Festa Jr. Manager N.J. Lic. # 4097