Montclair Local

He was always the life of the party with his storytelling and hearty laugh. He was one of the hardest-working and most caring people anyone knew. You could always pick up the phone and call “Fish,” and he would be there for you.

Carole Joyce Clark, a longtime resident of Montclair, died in her sleep on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. She was 91.

Mrs. Quadrel was a manager at Kresge’s/Kmart in Montclair and Bloomfield for many years.
She loved to travel and enjoyed playing the slots in Atlantic City and taking her daily walks downtown and to the corner for her coffee and bun.

She volunteered actively at Union Congregational Church and was a member of the Junior League of Montclair, where she sang for seniors as part of the Humdingers Singing Troupe. Her passion for flowers led her to serve on the board of the Garden Club of Montclair.

After returning from Italy, Mrs. Bergamo lived in Newark, Irvington, Alexandria, Virginia, and Maplewood before settling in Montclair in the late 1960s.

She attended Montclair State University from 1988 to 1991, graduating magna cum laude with a B.S. in business administration and a concentration in finance.

Catherine Y. (Simpson) Firebrace of Montclair, known as a beloved caretaker and guardian angel to generations of children, died peacefully on Sept. 14, 2024. She was 92.

Mr. O’Connell loved nothing more than being with his wife, Angela, his children and grandchildren in the beautiful garden his wife created, designed and tended during the 50-plus years he lived in Montclair.

Mr. Jones was deeply engaged in his community, where he passionately advocated for social change and made a notable impact.

Carol Jane (Van Riper) Racioppe of Maryland, formerly of Montclair, Cedar Grove and Toms River, died on Sept. 12, 2024. She was 88.