In Memoriam
Francesca Amendola-Alfano, Attorney and PIP Arbitrator.
Francesca was born in San Gregorio Magno, Italy, on July 30, 1958, to the late Francesco Amendola and Giulia Naddeo Amendola. She spent her early years in Nutley, N.J., and settled with her family in the Somerset Hills area of New Jersey. She attended Seton Hall University and graduated from Seton Hall Law School in 1983. Francesca worked as an attorney for many years in private practice as a sole practitioner. She also worked as an arbitrator for Forthright from 2004 to 2016, and most recently at the law offices of Leanza, Agrapidis and Maroules in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.
Francesca enjoyed volunteering and participating in fundraising events for her children’s schools. She had an infectious smile that led to many long-lasting friendships. She was an amazing hostess and always welcomed everyone to her home. She most enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially at the Jersey shore during the summer months.
Francesca is survived by her husband, Franco Alfano, and two children, Marco and Gianna; her mother, Giulia Amendola of Nutley, and sister, Albertina (Tina) Amendola of Eatontown, N.J. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society.
Kevin P. Harkins, Township Attorney for Nutley Township and a partner with McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter L.L.P.
Mr. Harkins, 50, was a 1985 graduate of Drew University received a Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University and was admitted to the bar of New Jersey and the United States District Court in 1988. He was admitted to the United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit, in 1997.
He began his legal career as an associate at Orbe, Nugent & Darcy which merged with McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter L.L.P. (MDMC, LLP) in Ridgewood, NJ. He was a contributing author to the Treatise New Jersey Local Government Deskbook. In 2008 Mr. Harkins was appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court to the district 11A Free Arbitration Committee. He also was active in Nutley Youth Sports as a coach.
His legal practice also concentrated on sophisticated leasing, financing and conveyancing tractions involving multi-million dollar financing, acquisitions and sales of multi-tenanted strip shopping centers and other commercial and industrial properties.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo (Chagnon) Harkins; a son, Cade Patrick; a daughter, Jo Anastasia; his parents, William and Eileen (O’Brien) Harkins; two sisters, Colleen Leach and Maureen Adams, a brother, Keith Harkins and many nieces and nephews.
Marc Antony Raso, Attorney and Palisades Interstate Park, Municipal Judge.
He is survived by his wife Silvana, his daughters Mia and Jamie Raso, his sister Judy Nakamura and her husband Scott, his sister Ginny Raso and his brother Jay Raso, his niece Meghan Brannan and nephew Marc Brannan, and his mother-in-law Olga Della-Pupa.
Marc was born on August 27, 1967 in Paterson, New Jersey to Joseph and Virginia Raso. He grew up in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey and graduated from Indian Hills High School in 1985. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Colgate University in 1989 where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He attended Syracuse University College of Law and was awarded a Juris Doctor in 1993.
Marc was an accomplished attorney practicing law in both New Jersey and New York. During his almost thirty year career, he was an unrelenting advocate for his clients. Marc was also appointed by Governor Chris Christie to serve as a judge of the Palisades Interstate Park Court, where he presided for more than a decade until his recent retirement.
Despite his successful career, Marc’s true devotion was to his family. His loyalty and dedication was unparalleled and he leaves a huge hole in the hearts of those who loved him. Marc also used his brilliant intellect and razor-sharp wit to entertain his family, his friends and colleagues, and anyone else lucky enough to spend a moment in his company.
There is so much more that should be said, but in the end, what Marc did was make our world brighter. He will be forever loved and cherished.
Hon. Michael J. Viola, Judge of the Nutley Municipal Court, and a lifelong resident of Nutley.
Judge Viola, 71, was graduated by Seton Hall Prep, Seton Hall University and earned a Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Louisville Law School. He was appointed to the bench as Municipal Court Judge of Nutley in 1990 after previously serving with the Essex County Public Defender’s Office. He served as Nutley’s Public Defender and was the former zoning board attorney. Judge Viola was a member of the Essex County Bar Association and the Essex County Municipal Judges Association.
He is survived by his wife, Judy (Raimo) Viola, his daughter, Melissa Lukis and her husband, Richard, and two grandchildren, Ryan and Alexa. He also leaves his brother, Brian Viola and his wife, Joyce.