Obituary of Elizabeth Iovine

Bridgewater, NJ

Elizabeth (Betty) Iovine, a vibrant wife, mother, friend, and community member, died peacefully on December 19, 2022 at her home with her family by her side.  She was 77.

Betty is survived by her devoted husband Carmine, her children Matthew, Anthony, and Peter along with her precious daughter-in-laws Celia, Trina, and Roseann as well as her most cherished six grandchildren: Michael, Alexa, Lucas, Jake, Katie, and Nicholas.  She is also survived by her caring sister Virginia, cousin Margaret and many loved nieces, nephews, and extended family.  She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Sarah and her brother Hugh.  Betty was raised in Brooklyn New York the daughter of proud immigrant parents.  Her mother Sarah (born in Ireland) and father Harry came to the U.S. from Scotland.  Betty grew up in a multigenerational, lively Brooklyn brownstone surrounded by both immediate and extended family.  Betty attended Catholic school in Brooklyn where she made lifelong friends.  She loved dancing, music, and her favorite ice cream parlors scattered throughout her neighborhood.  Anyone that knew Betty will tell you she loved to dance.  Hearing an oldie or doo-wop song got her dancing no matter the time or place.  She was the first on the dance floor and the last to leave.  One of her most talked-about experiences was meeting Dick Clark and earning the spotlight dance during a Philadelphia taping of American Bandstand.  In addition to her talents on the dance floor, Betty was also a skilled bowler, typist, tennis player, music lover, casino enthusiast, and sports fan.  She enjoyed cruising with her husband to ports near and far.  Betty was a talented designer and decorator.  She took great pride in her home.  She was also an active member of the community devoting countless hours to the local schools, sports booster clubs, and her parish.  She not only volunteered time but also her positive energy.  She raised the spirits of those around her and found great joy in the work.  Her joy for life was surpassed only by her kindness.

Betty and Carmine met in Brooklyn at a Knight’s of Columbus dance.  On the surface, they seemed an improbable couple–Betty was free spirited while Carmine was more serious and steady.  Betty liked her food simple while Carmine enjoyed his mother’s Italian cooking.  Their differences made life interesting; their marriage anchored by a mutual commitment to family.  Over 57 years of marriage, they created a wonderful life together raising three boys and a few crazy dogs.  Carmine’s career took the couple to New Jersey where they settled, and she lived the remainder of her life.

Betty held various jobs over the years.  Her first position found her commuting daily from Brooklyn to Wall Street.  In New Jersey, Betty worked in a real estate office, a freight company, and finally as a clerk for a municipal court system.

A viewing will take place on Thursday December 29, 2022, between 1:00-3:00PM and 6:00-8:00PM at the Bongiovi Funeral Home, 416 Bell Avenue, Raritan, NJ (908)-725-1887.  A funeral mass will take place on Friday, December 30, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church 500 U.S. HWY 22, Bridgewater, NJ, 08807.  Entombment will follow after mass at St. Bernard Cemetery, Route 28, Bridgewater NJ.

To send an on-line condolence visit www.bongiovifuneralhome.com.

“FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS”