Eleanor Pizzuti

Eleanor Pizzuti passed away on November 21, 2023, in Naples, Florida. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Robert Pizzuti, Sr. Together, they have 5 children and 13 grandchildren: 

Daughter Diana and husband Robert Iovino: Granddaughter Kirstyn 

Daughter Robin and husband Tom Sheppard: Granddaughters Shannon and Brittany (husband Elias) 

Son Robert Jr. and wife JoAnn Pizzuti: Grandsons Robert III (wife Liz) and Joseph; Granddaughters Ashley, Jen, Dana, Kim and Rachel 

Son Tom and wife Amy Pizzuti: Granddaughter Trinity and Grandson Zane 

Daughter Tracy and husband William Frazzano: Grandson Lee.

Eleanor’s parents were Anthony and Pauline Majewski of Wallington, who had 4 daughters. Eleanor was the last living daughter. Her deceased sisters are Dolores (Honey) Pavelec, Stascia Yacenko-Spinelli, and Irene Smith and her sister-in-law Jacqueline Stivale. Eleanor and Robert had 14 nieces and nephews.

Words to honor Eleanor

I’m not sure you can accurately capture the essence of a mother. It’s often someone who worries about her family, forever. Our mom has worried about the dance recital…if you’ll go on stage and actually perform; the at-bats praying you will swing; and the everyday preparation of your food and whether you’re eating right. And that extends to the nieces, nephews and grandchildren. She often asked, how are you doing in school; how do you like your job; who are you with; and how serious is the relationship? Some of her preferred lines were…I love you; I worry about you; you deserve better; I’m proud of you; is that supposed to be a secret; I just want you to be happy; that’s nice; and the famous, ‘Poppy Says…’, when she would relay his comments on the phone to the grandchildren.

And happy she was with our father for over 66 years. They first met at a bowling alley, went out to dinner on their first date and had Italian food. She was working as an inspector at Becton Dickinson at that time in East Rutherford. Her sister Honey was already married while Irene and Stascia were still in school. Her future sister-in-law, Jackie, was already married too. Mom was born and raised in Wallington; her father, Anthony, had a coal business and everyone learned how to drive in their yard. When she and our dad married, they lived in Montclair. On their one-year anniversary to the day, their first child was born, and what an anniversary present she was. One year later, another angel was born. One year after that, a prized son arrived. There were a few years before the next son arrived near Mother’s Day, and the last blessing was born on Valentine’s Day. I cannot imagine raising that eclectic bunch. We were raised on love, a hard dose of discipline, a strong sense of work ethic, and sprinkles of her famous apple pie, stuffed cabbage, and Sunday meatballs down the shore.

Just this year, our mom started working with a physical therapist to keep her strong. She asked, how long have you been working? The physical therapist replied, I don’t consider it working…I consider it serving others. That was the perfect answer to someone who may not have realized that is what she did her whole life: she served.

Today we honor your life, Mom. As your youngest grandchild Zane said to celebrate you just a few hours before your ascent: ‘To Gram’. Two beautiful words that will forever mean ‘Love you.’ Congratulations on getting your angel wings – soar to the heavens and continue to bless us all. Grief is love persevering. We’ll love you…forever.