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Lisa DiSalvo Obituary
DiSALVO
Lisa Merians, devoted mother and wife, died suddenly on December 25th at Englewood Hospital in Englewood, New Jersey. She was 58.
Daughter of Isabel and the late Sidney Merians of Alpine, New Jersey, Lisa was born in Manhattan and raised in New Hyde Park, Long Island. She later lived in New York City before moving to Tenafly, NJ, where she resided for the past 22 years.
A retired Vice President of Creative Services at Viacom Enterprises, Lisa was instrumental in the creation of many hit television shows such as The Cosby Show, Roseanne, and A Different World.
A lover of the arts, Lisa most recently served as a docent at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan, where she specialized in providing guided student tours ranging from Greek and Roman antiquities to American art. She received a B.A. in English from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Lisa is survived by her loving husband, Joseph; her daughters, Madeleine, Rachel, and Sara; her mother, Isabel Merians; and her sisters Melanie and Valerie Merians.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 30th, at 1:30 pm, at Gutterman and Musicant Funeral Home, 402 Park Street, Hackensack, New Jersey. A shiva will follow at the DiSalvo's home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to The Docent Program at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lisa DiSalvo
Alan Bender
October 16, 2014
Dear Di Salvo family, Merians Family, Isabel Merians-I was so terribly saddened to read of Lisa's sudden passing in the Washington University magazine. Lisa and I were close friends at Wash U and our friendship continued as we both found ourselves working in New York City. I fondly remember meeting Isabel and Sidney at their house in New Jersey. We even were housemates in a beach house with 18 other folks one summer in Fire Island. Her smile, warmth, intelligence and laugh can make me smile as I think of her now. I wish all of you wonderful memories of a lovely and very dear person. With much warmth-Alan Bender(Sammamish, Washington).
Janet Shields Maloney
July 16, 2014
I am so sad to hear about the loss of Lisa. I just read about it in the Wash U magazine. I knew Lisa at Wash U. She was my first friend there. She was such an absolute treasure and such a bright light. She made such a difference in my life. My condolences go out to her family. I know she will be dearly missed.
January 11, 2014
Dear Rachel and Family, We are so very saddened to have just learned about your mom Lisa. We think of you often and offer our sincere condolences. Love, Lynda and Dan Wilkes
Rona Solomon
January 7, 2014
It is with profound sadness that I have learned of Lisa's passing. To have known her has been a treasured gift.I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Lucy Denny-Gardner
January 3, 2014
Joe,
Please know that you have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your wife. I know that there is little I can say to console you but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this heartbreaking time. Hold tight to each other and to your many wonderful memories.
Delilah Loud
January 3, 2014
Dearest Joe and family....sending you love, light, and strength. I hope Lisa's memory brings a smile to your heart even through the tears.
My deepest and sincere condolences on the loss of your extraordinary wife...
Delilah
XOXO
January 2, 2014
Joe, Madeline, Rachel and Sara--please know how genuinely shocked and heartbroken we all were to hear about this incomprehensible tragedy. (while we were out of the country) Our heartfelt condolences go out to you. I never got to spend the time I would have liked in getting to know Lisa better, but from what I did know, it was obvious as to what a genuine, warm, caring, lovely beautiful person she was on both the outside and inside. We REALLY adored her so very much. We know all of her love will remain with you forever in your hearts. We are there for you--with love and sympathy, your neighbors,
Bonni, Steve, Jennifer and Jordyn Konefsky.
John Cardenas
January 2, 2014
Joe, my deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Wachtel
January 1, 2014
Our family is so shocked and saddened to hear of Lisa's untimely death. Our thoughts are with you Joe, Madeline, Rachel, Sarah and the entire family. May you find comfort , love, and strength with one another in the days ahead and know that we are thinking of you as you begin the steps to go forward.
David Pulido
December 31, 2013
My deepest condolences to you Joe, your daughters and your entire family. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless You All,
Dave Pulido
Jamie/Stefanie Kahn
December 30, 2013
Sincerest condolences to the DiSalvo Family. No one has the words to make your sadness go away, but may you find comfort in knowing how many people wish they did.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Kahn Family
(Nancy Danny Stefanie Jamie)
Vivian Chen
December 30, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathy to your family. I met Lisa at the docent training program at the MET. She was such a sweet and loving friend. I would really miss her so much!
Amanda Golden
December 30, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. DiSalvo my freshman year at Colgate when she came to visit Rachel on more than one occasion. She was so warm and kind, and I feel lucky that I had the opportunity to meet her. She clearly touched so many lives, but her character will live on through her daughters, especially through my dear friend Rachel. Sending so much love to you and your family
December 30, 2013
Our family is stunned and so sad at the loss of our young cousin .
You always cared about everyone else and were the best of our family.
We are devastated and will love and miss you forever.
xo
Sarah Merians and family
The Ladiana Family
December 30, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the DiSalvo family. We pray the love of God enfolds you throughout your journey of grief.
Bob Dillon
December 29, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear about Lisa. I knew both Lisa and her husband Joey well, and they were a truly a perfect match. I will miss her greatly as will many of her friends and extended family. Thanks Lisa for so many wonderful memories and such great advice and help in my career. Bob
Hope (Hopie is what Lisa called me)
December 29, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the entire DiSalvo and Merians family. Lisa was not only my friend, but my mentor and teacher. A part of Lisa will always remain in my heart.
I had the opportunity to work for Lisa during her tenure at Viacom starting in 1984 and will always remember the good times we had. Whether it was watching an episode of the Little Rascals behind closed doors, watching her learn how to use a computer mouse for the first time, or her attempt to play softball on the company team, Lisa's amazing spirit and wit made some of those difficult tasks for her into an entertaining one. One of my favorite expressions I learned from Lisa and still use today is "smart like two colleges".
Lisa....rest in peace. You will be missed.
Suzanne (SLM-"slim" as she always called me)
December 29, 2013
My sweet, dear friend. How I will miss her. Lisa always knew the right things to say and when. I don't know anyone else that has made such an impact on my life as she did. I learned so very much from her as early on as her Assistant at Viacom up until most recently.... she started as my very first "boss" out of college and turned into one of my most favorite friends. I have never met another person as beautiful, kind, gentle, patient, caring, intelligent, witty and generous. If I knew we would have such little time together, I would have made the effort to come to Tenafly way more often to go on our shopping excursions and have lunch - I will miss that special time together.
My sincere condolences to you - Joe, Madeleine, Rachel and Sara. She will be sorely missed and it's a really huge loss for everyone that has ever come to know her. Love to you all. xo
Marc Berman
December 29, 2013
Lisa and I worked together at Viacom in the late 1980s. I have wonderful memories of that great time and I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the Merians-DiSalvo family. May the memories of Lisa live on for a lifetime.
Nicholas Birns
December 29, 2013
Lisa was a student of mine--her comments on books were articulate, perceptive, and original. What a loss.
Nobuko Allman
December 29, 2013
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. I attended the Met docent training with Lisa. She had a kind heart with a beautiful smile. i admired her knowledge in arts. May the sorrow you feel in your heart lighten by the love that surrounds you. Nobuko Allman
David Turetsky
December 29, 2013
I am so, so sorry!
December 28, 2013
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. May the Hearer of prayer comfort your family through this difficult time. (Psalm 65:2)
Bobby
December 28, 2013
SMRJ,
I miss all you guys, none more than Mom…I don't remember any conversation I had with her, where I didn't leave feeling better about things, because of what she was able to see in the world. Am so sorry.
GeraldJerry & Pyllis Zakim Zakim
December 28, 2013
Jerry & Phyllis Zakim, old Paterson & Clemson friends offer their sympathies on the loss of your daughter, so close to Sid's passing. We are in Florida now and can't attend.
V
December 28, 2013
I wish to extend my condolences to the Disalvo family. May the God of tender mercies and of all comfort be with you during this time of grief and sorrow.
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