community news from Livingston

Robert J. Mackaravitz died at the age of 59 in his Union home on September 23. A funeral Mass will be held tomorrow, Friday, at 10:15 a.m. in St. Michael's Church, Union. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Thursday, at Galante Funeral Home in Union. Born in Newark, Mr. Mackaravitz lived in Livingston before moving to Union 28 years ago. He was a chief operating engineer at 2 Tower Center in New Brunswick and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 68 in West Caldwell for 20 years. Mr. Mackaravitz, who coached Little League in Union for 12 years, was also a member of the Knights of Columbus 4504 in Union. Surviving are his wife, Sharon; his children, Robert and his wife, Nicole; Melissa Pescatore and her husband, Ken; and Kyle; his mother, MaryJane ("MaryMack"); a brother, Michael; and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father, Clement.

Sidney Friedenberg died unexpectedly at the age of 73 on September 21. Born in Newark, he lived in Livingston for many years before retiring to Florida. A graduate of Weequahic High School in Newark, Mr. Friedenberg earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the former Newark State College. He taught in the Newark and Livingston school systems for 35 years in addition to coaching varsity swimming at Livingston High School for many years. He was also a high school football referee for more than 40 years in New Jersey and Florida. Surviving Mr. Friedenberg are his wife of 45 years, Helen; and a sister, Susan Major. No funeral arrangements were announced.