Obituary of Dorothy I Pacifico

Raritan, NJ – Dorothy "Dottie" I. Pacifico, 82, died on January 25, 2017. She was born in Linden, NJ on April 3, 1934 to the late Antoinette Andre and Paul Hoffmann. Dottie grew up on a farm raising dairy cows and seeing eye dogs. She was always a motivated student leading her class and learning piano. In 1955, she was chosen one of the two Somerset County 4-H Club Members to attend the National 4-H Club Camp in Washington D.C. She worked as a Secretary at the Johns-Manville Research Center and later was employed by the RCA Research Laboratories in Princeton. In 1957, she began her work with the Somerset County Agricultural Agent in the County Extension service office. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in 1982 from Rutgers University by attending classes at night and working during the day, all while caring and providing for her husband and children. Dottie graduated with honors and was part of the Honor Society (Alpha Sigma Lamda). She was a member of the National Honor Society. In 1984, she was hired by Bishop McCarrick to assist the Somerset County Pastors to form Social Ministry Action Groups in their parishes. Dottie was the first coordinator of Social Ministry for the Diocese of Metuchen and for over 30 years at St. Ann's Church where she also directed the Bereavement Program, sang in the choir and was on the School Board where she started the first lunch program. She participated on several committees providing shelters for homeless families in Somerset County and served as Director for some of them including the Franklin House, the Franklin Food Bank, the Agape House and the Samaritan House. Dottie also worked as the Somerset County Food Bank Coordinator and for the Division of Youth and Family Services. In 1989, she was named 4-H Alumni of the Year and the headlines read "Everyday Hero Dorothy Pacifico Leads a Life of Service". Among her many awards, she received "The Medal Regina Nostra" conferred to her in 1992 by Bishop Hughes in recognition of her outstanding service to god and to his people. All who knew Dottie will remember her as a humble, considerate, and self-sufficient person who always put others before herself. She could communicate with anyone and listen to anyone. And that was her greatest talent. Dottie is survived by her beloved husband, Deacon John R. Pacifico for 58 years; her loving children, John Pacifico Jr. (Linda) and Jean Pacifico (William Urban); many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, countless friends; and a sister-in-law, Florence Pacifico. She was predeceased by her parents; five brothers; three sisters; and her sister-in-law, Rose Pacifico. Viewing, Sunday, January 29, 2017, 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the Bongiovi Funeral Home, 416 Bell Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869, (908-725-1887). Funeral Services, Monday, January 30, 2017, viewing 9:30 to 10:15 am at the funeral home followed by a 11:00 am Funeral Mass at St. Ann's Church, 45 Anderson Street, Raritan, NJ 08869 Burial, St. Bernard's Cemetery, Bridgewater, NJ. To express your condolences, please visit www.bongiovifuneralhome.com. "FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS"