Arlene Cordovano

Arlene Patricia (Pat) Cordovano, 74 years young, of Essex Fells, passed away peacefully yesterday with her loving husband of 51 years, Gary, by her side.

Pat was born on February 12, 1949 in Bronx, NY.

Pat and Gary met and started dating as teenagers. They attended their Jr and Sr proms together dreaming of the life that they would create. Together they not only realized their dreams but surpassed them. A true Cinderella story with the only difference being that they built their castle from the ground up.

Pat had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She loved culture, cooking, reading, decorating, music, and most importantly, her family. Her doors were always open creating a lively atmosphere with restaurant quality meals all while dancing and singing.  Arlene never viewed hosting holidays as work, rather as an opportunity to see her favorite people. At night, she would sit-down with a hot cup of tea and reminisce on the wonderful times everyone had. Traveling to Italy and Ireland gave her joy and she would bring home a touch of their culture every time. Her homes were her canvas, and she meticulously picked each detail of the colors, patterns, and artwork. Behind all her choices was an underlying meaning of something important in her life.

As a mother, Pat was the perfect blend of strength, kindness, and humor. Her days consisted of playing catcher for her three sons in the morning, teaching them history in the afternoons, and creating a magical dish for a family dinner. One minute she would be driving them to a 6 am hockey game and the next taking them to a Broadway play. She truly provided every opportunity to them. Becoming a grandmother allowed the 2^nd generation the opportunity to experience Pat. Her 7 grandchildren were her pride and joy. Pat will live on through them as she imprinted a piece of her on each of them.

Pat is survived by her husband, Gary, her children Gary, Michael, and Kevin. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law’s, Grace and Danielle. Her 7 grandchildren, Patrick, Max, Haylee, Joey, Vincent, Alexa, and Nicholas. Arlene is also survived by her siblings Richie, Raymond, and Connie; Eddie and Janet have met her in heaven.

Viewing will be held on Thursday, April 20^th from 4 – 8 pm at Galante Funeral Home, 54 Roseland Ave, Caldwell NJ 07006.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006 on Friday April 21^st at 9:30 am.