RECENT OBITUARIES Richard Aponte Richard Aponte, 62 of Bloomfield, formerly of Hillside, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at the Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains, N.J. Richard was the Loving Husband of Esperanza M. (nee Villa) Aponte. Son of the Late Joseph and Josephine Aponte, Sr. Devoted Father of Jacqueline R. Aponte and Rosemarie Lugo and father figure to Jacqueline’s partner Margarita Guzman. Dear Brother to Joseph Jr., Robert, Alvin, Harry and Johnny Aponte and Celia Santiago. Also survived by one Granddaughter, Melanie Rose Lugo. He was the Loving Godson of Clarence and Vivian Foster. Mr. Aponte was born in Brooklyn, New York and resided in Hillside for many years. A self-made business man, Mr. Aponte ran a successful contracting company for over 35 years. A friend to anyone who met him, Richard’s lasting impression will live on forever. The Visitation will be held at the Growney Funeral Home 1070 North Broad Street, Hillside, N.J. on Friday, December 11, 2009 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The Funeral Service will be at the Funeral Home at 9:00 AM on Saturday, December 12, 2009. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Hillside, N.J. In lieu of Flowers, contributions can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society(www.lls.org).