Montclair Local

He remained the heart and soul of the Commonwealth Club into his 90s and is considered the beloved GOAT by the membership. He was never happier when he could stop by and hold court as guys came up to say hello.

Mr. Strain was also deeply committed to the community, serving on the board of trustees at his sons’ school, Montclair Kimberley Academy, from 2008 to 2017, as well as with other organizations close to his heart.

Her first love was her family. She was the quiet, soft-spoken voice that brought joy to the Franklin Place neighborhood. Her door was always open as the “neighborhood playground.” She never missed her sons’ basketball games.

Barbara Elizabeth Austin Greene of Montclair, a longtime employee of Grove Pharmacy, where she was affectionately known as “Barbara Hallmark,” died peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. She was 95.

Mary “Molly” (DiGeronimo) DeCarlo, a longtime resident of Montclair, died on Feb. 25, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. She was 106.

He was an elementary school teacher for 35 years, spending most of his career in the Montclair Public Schools. He shaped young minds with patience, humor, and a firm belief in the potential of every student. He enlivened every building and classroom in which he worked. His pranks were legendary.

Mr. Casto enjoyed sports and was often seen at Anderson Park enjoying high school lacrosse matches.

Arthur John Koehnlein of Manchester, formerly of Montclair, died on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. He was 74.

Vincent Daniel Gautieri, a longtime real estate attorney in Montclair and a lifelong resident of the township, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Feb. 5, 2025. He was 94.

On Sept. 11, 2001, she was scheduled to run a blood drive at the Nutley Red Cross. She worked all night after the Twin Towers attack, collecting hundreds of donations, demonstrating her dedication, sensitivity and patience to everyone involved in the drive, workers and donors alike.