In Memoriam

William F. Beegle, OD

Dr. William F. Beegle passed away on May 5, 2024. Dr. Beegle was a member of NJSOP/AOA and MOSOP for 39 years. The family welcomes everyone for visitation at the Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road in Oakhurst on Friday May 10 th from 3:00pm – 7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday May 11 th at St. Mary's of the Assumption Church Deal, NJ at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Allenhurst Fire Department and First Aid Squad at www.allenhurstfire.org. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
Dr Beegle's Obituary

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Paul E. Berman, OD

Paul E. Berman, of Hillsdale, NJ unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2013. Born in Manhattan, NY, December 15, 1950 to Jack and Sylvia Berman and raised in Brooklyn, NY. As owner and founder of Focus Eye Health and Vision Care in Hackensack, he had been serving Bergen County since 1976. As a founder and Global Clinical Director of the Special Olympics' Opening Eyes and Healthy Athletes programs, Paul received many accolades including: the 2007 "Spirit Award for Special Lifetime Global Leadership in Promoting Human Dignity" and, in 2011, White House "Champions of Change" among many others. Opening Eyes has screened over 325,000 athletes since its inception in 2001. Paul's leadership has cultured a program with 20,000 volunteers in 80 countries, helping provide over 100,000 prescription eyeglasses to Special Olympic Athletes. Paul was also a member of Lion's Club International. Surviving are his loving wife, Diane Berman (Hillsdale, NJ) his adoring children, Brent, Seth and Rebecca Berman, Jamie and AJ Bianco, Matt Lilien, Brian and Chelsea Lilien. His brother Steven Berman and wife Ellie Berman. His mother-in-law Bessye Shulman, and grandchildren Brooke Berman and Ryan Bianco.

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Burnett Eglow, OD

Dr. Burnett O.D. "Burne," 88, of Hasbrouck Heights passed away on June 7, 2013. Born in Newark to the late Harry and Rose Eglow. Burne was a devoted husband and a beloved father. Burne, as his friends called him, was an active participant in the Hasbrouck Heights community for over 55 years. In addition to providing Optometry services in the community, Burne was a charter member and a past president of the Kiwanis Club and a recipient of its Life Membership Award, served on the Board of Trustees for the Library as its treasurer, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and was a former member and a past president of the Board of Education where he served for thirty three years all in Hasbrouck Heights. In 1997, he was honored by his fellow Board of Education trustees by having the Hasbrouck Heights High School Library renamed to "The Dr. Burnett Eglow Library and Media Center". Dr. Eglow was a past president of the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians in 1984-'85. Burne is survived by his wife Frances "Alyce" (nee Cashnelli) Eglow and his son Dr. Todd David Eglow of Hasbrouck Heights. Dear brother of Martin Eglow and his wife Joan of Long Island and Iris Birkhahn and her husband Leonard of Fair Lawn.

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Norman Einhorn, OD, MS, FAAO

It is with a saddened heart that we announce the passing of Dr. Norman P. Einhorn, 69, on Saturday, June 6, 2020 at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, N.J. Norman graduated from Ocean Township High School in 1968. He attended the University of Cincinnati, Stockton University, and Wagner College in Staten Island where he received a B.S. in Microbiology. Norman then graduated from The Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1983 where he received his Doctor of Optometry.

He lived most of his life in Ocean Township, N.J. where he raised his family. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. Norman was not only supportive, caring and compassionate, he was also charismatic with a fantastic sense of humor. He enjoyed talking to people, even strangers, about any topic. He loved life and lived life to the fullest. If you knew Norman, you knew he was special, and was always laughing and smiling.

He worked passionately as an Optometrist for 37 years with a special interest in Neuro Optometry. He truly loved the Optometric profession and never considered it a job but rather a passion. In addition, he was an active member of his community, his shul (Sons of Israel), and lent a voice and helping hand whenever needed. He touched many lives and our world will not be the same without him. We did and will always love him.

Norman is the son of deceased parents Dr. Israel and Doris Einhorn. Norman is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Joy Einhorn, daughter Dr. Elana (Dr. Elan) Gorshein, grandchildren Sophie, Jordan and Noah Gorshein, daughter Danielle Einhorn; his brother Dr. Arnie (Batel) Einhorn, niece Ellie and nephews Yoni, and Nati Einhorn; sister Marlene (Dr. Alan) and niece Naomi (Alex), great nephew Nathaniel and nephew Tommy (Alyssa) and great nephew Martin.

A private graveside service was held at Beth David in Elmont, NY on Monday, June 8, 2020. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sons of Israel Shul in Wayside, N.J. or the American Heart Association in honor of Dr. Norman P. Einhorn. Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels, Ocean, were in charge of arrangements.

Bernard Feldman, OD

Dr. Bernard Feldman, of Montvale, NJ, passed away peacefully with his wife at his side on Thursday afternoon, March 8, 2018. Dr. Feldman was a graduate of Pennsylvania School of Optometry, in Philadelphia and prior to his retirement he was a self employed Optometric Physician, in Westfield, NJ.

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Howard Frankel, OD

Dr. Howard Frankel passed away peacefully November 5, 2019 after a brief illness. After returning home from serving his country in the US Navy during WWII he graduated from the Philadelphia College of Optometry and practiced Optometry until his retirement.

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Albert Goldstein, OD

Dr. Albert Goldstein, age 93, of Atlantic City, New Jersey, Bridgeton, New Jersey and Boca Raton, Florida died peacefully while surrounded by his family on July 19, 2021 after a brief illness. Albert Goldstein practiced Optometry for more than 50 years in Southern New Jersey.

Bruce Kastner, OD

Bruce Kastner, MS, OD passed away on Saturday March 25, 2017. He was a long time member of the AOA and the NJSOP. Dr. Kastner was born to an optometrist, but he started in the profession later in life as his first career involved working at Schering Plough for nearly ten years. Bruce earned his Bachelor's degree from Lafayette College and was President of the Lafayette marching band. He also attended Fairleigh Dickinson University where he earned his Master's degree. Bruce graduated PCO in 1989 and did a residency at the Feinbloom Center in 1990. While at PCO Bruce was very active in the NJOA student association as served as their president when he was a third year student, and receiving NJOA’s special recognition award for his service. Upon licensure in New Jersey he joined his father's optometric practice in Iselin. In 1999, he was selected as NJSOP’s Young Optometrist of the year for his work on with the Legislative Committee. Bruce was the consummate advocate for optometry. He was originally appointed by Governor McGreevy to be a liaison to the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and was reappointed by Governor Christie as the Commissioner of Human Service Designee and New Jersey Commission for the Blind Representative. Bruce was also a consultant to New Jersey Medicaid. In all his positions he always had 2 goals: (1) helping the public and (2) advocating for Optometry. He was well respected in the political world, being an NJSOP Key Person for the legislature. Bruce served as adjunct faculty for PCO, Montclair State University, and Fairleigh Dickinson University. He contributed to the Lighthouse Handbook for Vision Impairment and Low Vision Services. In 2017, Dr. Kastner’s peers posthumously chose him for the E.C. Nurock Award in grateful recognition of his invaluable contributions to the visual welfare of the community, the association, and the profession of optometry.

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Yvonne McBride, OD

Dr. Yvonne McBride passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2020, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. She was 70 years old.

Dr. McBride was born in Grenada and lived there as a child. She graduated high school in Brooklyn and furthered her education at SUNY Binghamton. She earned her Doctorate in Optometry from Pennsylvania College of Optometry. She immediately opened her own practice in Ledgewood then satellite offices in Newark and South Orange. She also had an office in Woodbridge Mall before opening Healthy Eyes Vision Service in Fords in 1995 which Dr. McBride was still operating.

Dr. McBride was a member of the State Board of Optometry, The National Optometrist Association, the American Optometry Association, and a board member of the NJSOP. She moved to Franklin Township in 1993 and has resided there since. She was a parishioner of St. Matthias Church in Somerset.

In her time off, Dr. McBride enjoyed cruising, traveling to Europe and many other destinations around the globe.

She was predeceased by her parents Cuthbert and Cecelia Samerson. Dr. McBride is survived by her husband of nearly 48 years, Ronnie McBride of Somerset, sons Ronnie D. McBride and his wife Anne of North Plainfield, and Geoffrey McBride of Philadelphia. She is also survived by a brother Vaughn Samerson, sister LillyAnn Venturino and her husband Michael both of Long Island, her granddaughter Naomi C. McBride, nephew Christopher Venturino and nieces Autumne and Gabrielle Venturino.

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Vincent McGlone, OD

Millburn optometrist with 'illustrious' career, of Bernardsville Dr. Vincent John McGlone, 65, of Bernardsville, NJ, passed away on December 22, 2022. Vince was born in Pottsville, PA, to Vincent Paul McGlone and Ada Serpico McGlone on August 6, 1957. He graduated from Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, VA. He was inducted into the BI-SMA Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 1973 Swim & Dive Team. He graduated with degrees in Anthropology and Geology from the University of Colorado Boulder. During his educational years, he traveled the country following the Grateful Dead. He worked as an archaeologist for a number of years before going on to graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1990 as Doctor of Optometry. He spent a summer teaching and practicing optometry in India before returning to an illustrious early career in New York and Washington, DC.

Dr. McGlone practiced for thirty years in Millburn, NJ, where his first priority was always his patients; he loved spending time to form personal connections to better serve them. Outside of work, he enjoyed cooking, supporting the Yankees, and spending time outdoors with his family and granddaughter, Lira.

Vince is survived by his wife, Denise, and children, Patrick and Elizabeth, as well as his siblings Joy McGlone, Paul McGlone (and his wife Sharon), and Ada Lester (and her husband Allen) and a multitude of wonderful nieces and nephews. Memorial donations may be made to California Lions Friends in Sight or the Seeing Eye, Inc.

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Robert Mead, OD

Robert Turner Mead, O.D. passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at age 79. He was a Life Member of the NJSOP and the AOA. Born in Syracuse, N.Y. on Dec. 10, 1939 to Barbara and Charles Mead. Bob, or better known as Dr. Bob, was an Optometrist in Burlington, N.J. for over 40 years. He was a graduate of Burlington High School, Class of 1957, attended the University of Vermont and graduated from the Pennsylvania School of Optometry. He was a lifelong and active member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, dedicated volunteer for the American Red Cross, past board member of the Library Company of Burlington and board member of American Guild of Organists and former member of Burlington Kiwanis. Bob is survived by his sister, Meredith "Missy" Mead Sitek and her husband, Thaddeus "Todge" Sitek, of Poway, Calif., and his niece, Linda Sitek Smith and her husband, Michael Smith, of Winter Park, FL

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Conrad G. Modica, OD

May 7, 1931 – April 5, 2021

Conrad George Modica passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 5, 2021. He was born in Paterson, NJ by his Sicilian immigrant parents, and lived in North Haledon, NJ for most of his life before moving to Wanaque. He is preceded in death by his parents, Adriana and George Modica, and his sister, Margherita Davis. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Patricia, and his children George (Lysa), Carolyn Bunda (Michael), C. Michael, Patricia (Jonathan), and Beth Coyle (Eddie). He will also be missed by his grandchildren Matthew, Michael, Stephen, Kelly, Jonathan, and Eddie.

Conrad is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University and The Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and served as an optometrist in the United States Air Force. Following his service, he started a practice in North Haledon, which led to a career of over 50 years before retiring. Conrad’s life was rooted in service to his church and community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Lions Club, and also served on the Board of Education for the North Haledon School System. But his greatest service was to his patients. He truly loved being an optometrist and was greatly missed by both his patients and the staff at High Mountain Eyecare when he retired in 2012 at the age of 80. His passion for the profession of Optometry led him to serve as a mentor to aspiring optometrists at William Paterson University.

Conrad was a devoted husband and father and cherished the large gatherings that brought his family and friends together. He was an avid golfer and skier, and greatly enjoyed traveling with his family and friends.

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Stephen R. Niemiera, OD

Dr. Stephen R Niemiera, O.D., 85, of Perth Amboy, passed away on Sunday, August 26, 2012 at home. A lifelong resident of Perth Amboy, Dr. Niemiera was a Communicant of Blessed John Paul II Parish at St Stephen's RC Church. He served his country in the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant. He was a graduate of Perth Amboy High School, Seton Hall University and Pennslyvania College of Optometry. He practiced Optometry in Perth Amboy for over 50 years.

He is preceeded in death by his parents, Konstanty and Eleanor (nee Paluskiewicz) Niemiera.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Lillian (nee Bednarek); devoted daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Edward Shanley of Attleboro, Massachusetts; dear brother Dr. Alexander Niemiera M.D. of South Amboy; cherished grandsons, John & Will Shanley, and four nephews and two nieces.

Joseph L. Papa, OD

Dr Papa's Obituary

Dr. Papa was an NJSOP lifetime member, and passed away on July 5, 2024. He was passionate about serving others and giving back, with the upmost care in compassionate service and quality.

Dr. Papa was the one who signed me up for NJSOP (probably NJOS then) before I even knew what it was or why it was important. He was always a pioneer with new technology, and always strived to go beyond whatever people felt could have been expected for a practice.

Dr. Papa taught me the importance of self-reflection as a practice owner -- if a new patient didn't refer another within a few weeks, he'd ask himself what he could have done better. He also taught me the value (& complexity) of running a business.

He was extremely loyal -- to his family and friends, to his work, to his patients and his practice.

I was sad to hear the news of his passing (submitted by Bethany Fishbein, OD)

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Charles S. Papier, OD

Dr. Charles S. Papier passed away in Fort Myers, FL on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Dr. Papier received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and practiced optometry in Pennington for 35 years. He served as President of the New Jersey Optometric Association and received a number of professional awards. Dr. Papier was also active in the American Optometric Association. Read more here.

Stanley Ravine, OD

Stanley Ravine, 89, of Ocean Township, NJ, passed peacefully on January 5, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Brooklyn NY. Dr. Ravine attended Indiana University where he received his O.D. He founded Ravine Eye Center, an Optometry Practice in Wall Township, NJ, which remains a thriving practice to this day. He was an active member of the New Jersey Optometric Association and even served as President. He also served on the New Jersey State Board of Optometrists. Read more here.

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Donald A. Petrie, OD

Donald A. Petrie, O.D., passed away peacefully at home in July 2021 with his wife, Barbara (His “Lovee’), giving him tender, loving care. They celebrated 50 years together on July 4th and treasured their memories of family and friends. Don was born in North Bergen, NJ, to Lottie Werneking and Frederick Raymond Petrie. He graduated Union Hill High in January 1950, Undergraduate New York University 1950-52, earning a B.S. from Illinois College of Optometry in 1954 and Doctor of Optometry in 1955.

Don served in the United States Army as an Optometrist in the hospital at Fort Dix in NJ and started private practice in Wyckoff, NJ in 1958, where he spent 27 years lovingly caring for his patients. Don was Secretary of the Bergen Passaic Optometric Society for 20 years and served as President from 1980-1982. He was honored as Optometrist of the Year in 1974 and served as liaison to the NJ Legislature from 1980-1984, and was very active with the Vision Crusade Foundation for twenty years.

The American Optometric Association, NJSOP, and Bergen Passaic Optometric Society all granted the honor of Life Member status to Don in 1985. It was with great excitement as well as trepidation that Don turned his practice over to the very capable Dr. Ronald N. Cauchard, who Don had brought into the practice five years earlier. Don and Barbara fulfilled their dream of travel in their RV, as well as world travel to Germany, Ireland, China, and many more countries along the way. They had a “home base” on Fort Myers Beach for 22 years as “snowbirds.” RV-ing was the perfect way to visit each of their children, Laura, Glenn and Craig in California and Mary, Cindy and Jim respectively in Vermont, Virginia and NJ. The grandchildren loved spending time with Grandpa and Grandma in the RV, as well at our second home at Lake Tahoe from 1995-2007.

Don was diagnosed with cancer in December 2007 at the age of 75.

We were thankful that we had retired early and were able to travel extensively and have fun with our family and friends while we were still young. Don passed at 88 years and 8 months with no regrets.

Don was also a Very Active Lion in NJ, FL, and NC for over 60 years!

A remarkable man, he will be missed by all who loved him.

(Submitted by Dr. Petrie's wife, Barbara)

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Robert Purnell, OD

Dr. Robert E. Purnell an accomplished optometrist, community servant, and man of faith passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at age 79. Dr. Purnell was a graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Before joining his father’s practice in Rutherford, he and his wife provided free optometric care on a Navajo Indian Reservation. Taking over the family practice from his father, the Family Care Vision Center is the longest continuous medical office of any type in the state, founded by Dr. Franklin Seward in 1886. Dr. Purnell received the 2009 New Jersey Optometric Public Service Award. Read more here.

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Eugene R. Tendler, OD

On April 2, 2021 Dr. Eugene Richard Tendler, 94, died peacefully in his bed at home surrounded by his family. Dr. Tendler was born in Newark, NJ, on March 4, 1927 and attended Weequahic High School. He enlisted in the US Navy to serve his country during WWII and after his father’s untimely death he was honorably discharged. With a mother and sister to support, he went to work without a complaint at the same time he earned his doctor of optometry degree. Following in his father’s footsteps, he opened his own practice in Rahway, NJ where he was beloved and practiced for over 40 years. Read more here.

Joseph A. Viviano,OD

Dr. Joseph A. Viviano O.D., of Cedar Knolls, N.J. formerly of Short Hills, N.J passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the age of 77. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a Fellow and past president of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, and a member of the American Optometric Association and Optometric Extension Program. Dr. Viviano was a retired Assistant Clinical Professor at the State University of New York College of Optometry, where he taught pediatrics and vision therapy in the optometric clinic. Read more here.

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John Voorhis, OD

Dr. John Voorhis passed away on August 13, 2018 at the age of 88. Dr. Voorhis practiced Optometry in Ridgewood, NJ for 35 years before retiring to Florida.