Elvira Angelo

Elvira R. Angelo

Elvira R. Angelo (nee DeRosa) , 95 of West Caldwell passed away on Jan. 4, 2015.

She was the beloved mother of Camille Cullen (Eugene), Carol Helmer (Steven), Vera Lynn Pezzino (Salvatore) and Anthony Jr.

Grandmother of 13 and Great Grandmother of 14 also predeceased by a granddaughter Anastasia Pezzino.

Elvira was born in Newark and lived in Newark before moving to West Caldwell 48 years ago.

Elvira was an exceptional seamstress. Not only did she use her sewing skills for her family and friends throughout her life, she made a career of it as well. As a young woman, Elvira sewed clothing which was sewn so well her employer used them for the sample designs. She continued to work in this industry until her last job before retiring from Belmont Shade and Drapery in West Caldwell.

She had a great love for ballroom dancing throughout her life as well. Elvira’s grace on the dance floor kept her young and fit well into her eighties. Another beloved pastime for her was watching movies with her family. Some of her favorites were The Godfather, Fatso, and the Christmas classics, such as It’s a Wonderful Life .

In her later years, TV was company for her and her most favorite was Mother Angelica’s channel (EWTN) and when nothing else was on, college football!  She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed funny commercials too, such as, GEICO’s "Guess what day it is?" and JG Wentworth’s "It’s my money and I need it now!" Elvira also had a good laugh with her grandchildren. One of the phrases she cherished most was from her granddaughter Stephanie "Grandma can I have a cup of tea bag?" At times, she was even known to whistle a good tune.

Elvira loved going down the shore. She visited there as recently as this summer. Her two favored beaches were Coney Island and Seaside Heights. Yet Seaside Heights held a special place in her family’s heart as she owned a shore house there. Elvira was a great swimmer and enjoyed many hours in the ocean with family and friends. She even loved going on the rides with her grandchildren.

Growing up down the street from St. Lucy’s in Newark helped to reinforce her lifetime devotion to St. Gerard. As a baker’s daughter, Elvira had to work in the family bakery from an early age. She had many interesting stories because of the customers she encountered. As a holiday staple, her pineapple cheesecake was always a big hit. Everyone always wanted the recipe and 3 generations have now cherished it.

These stories only touch the surface of her life. Elvira lived a long 95 years but her family still wanted more time to spend with her. Although her passing came quickly, December 2014 was a busy month for her as she attended family parties and holiday gatherings where she was able to spend time with her entire family. This was a special month for her as her outings lately were usually only to St. Aloysius Church and the bagel place for lunch. Although this past December was unique in its festivities, her love of good food, especially bread and cake, wine, and company was not uncommon. She will be missed dearly.

Funeral is from the Galante Funeral Home 54 Roseland Ave. Caldwell on Friday at 9:30 AM.

Funeral Mass is at St. Aloysius Church, Caldwell at 11 AM

Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Chapel Mausoleum.

Visitation is on Thursday from 4 - 8 PM.