On November 24, 2015, our dearest mother and grandmother, Catherine (Katie) Falivene Hyjek, entered into eternal life. She was such a dynamic presence in our lives and in the lives of those she touched. Katie was a communicant of Mother of Mercy Parish/Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Asbury Park and a past member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish and Holy Rosary Altar Society on Long Beach Island. Born and raised in Harrison, NJ, she was the fourth of nine children born to Harrison Police Chief Saverio (Samuel) and Filomena (Maggie) Marrazzo Falivene. After graduating from the Harrison’s schools, Katie became manager of Cushman’s Bakery in Newark. Together with her husband, John, she owned and operated the Centre Restaurant in Irvington, Beacon Amusements, Modern Amusements and the Tiki Gift Shop on Long Beach Island. After her husband’s death, Katie worked as assistant manager for Macy’s, and shortly after, became manager of the former Four Season’s Gift Shop in Monmouth Mall, Eatontown. Until her retirement, at the age of 80, she was the dental business manager for her brother, Dr. F. X. Falivene in West Long Branch.
A truly selfless and hardworking woman, Katie sacrificed much for her family. She possessed great wisdom and amazing business acumen. Katie will be dearly missed and remembered for her profound love of God, family and country; for her staunch belief in the value of an education, which she displayed by the unwavering support and guidance she provided to her daughters and grandchildren; for her tremendous pride in her Italian heritage; and for her great love of Christmas and strong family ties. These beautiful attributes she continually instilled in her family. Katie was an outstanding Mother and Grandmother, a caring friend to those in need, and a person who was deeply loved and respected by everyone who knew her. She was and always will be in the heart and soul of our family and the wind beneath our wings.
Katie was predeceased by her husband, John J. Hyjek in 1969; her daughter, Mina H. Fliger in 2014; her parents, Chief of Police Saverio (Samuel) and Filomena (Maggie) Marrazzo Falivene; her brothers, Dominick, Samuel and Mario Falivene; her sisters, Dore Pesce, Theresa Montesano, Faustine Fascia, Beatrice Green and Christine Tokar; and her adopted brother, Anthony Cimino. She is survived by her daughter, Tanya H. Scully and her husband, John; her son-in-law, Robert Fliger; her greatest joy-her grandchildren, Lieutenant Commander Neal A. Corbin II USCG and his wife, Christine, PA-C; John Scully II; her brother, Dr. Francis Xavier Falivene and several nieces and nephews.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all health care professionals who provided extraordinary care to Katie over the years, especially: Gloria Yeranian, RN, Nicholas Grassia, Ac., Drs. DelSordo and Patel, Christana Shamrock-Kmecz, PA-C of the Visiting Physicians, Sandra Ambrose, RN of the VNA Hospice Health Group and the Tinton Falls EMS squad.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be offered at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Asbury Park on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:00 am followed by interment at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport. Arrangements are by the Fiore Funeral Home, Oakhurst. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Mother of Mercy Parish, 1212 First Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929. For condolences, please visit Katie’s memorial website at www.fiorefuneralhomes.com for condolences