Elaine Palagruto (nee Reitano)
On January 17, 2022 of Glassboro, New Jersey. Age 81. Beloved wife of the late Thomas Palagruto. Loving mother of Thomas Palagruto (Anne), Katherine Alburger (Christopher), and Vincent Palagruto of Glassboro. Proud mom-mom of five grandchildren, Thomas, Peter, Alexandria (Jared), Andrew and Kathleen and great grandson, Logan. Dear sister of Frances Maida (Thomas), Martha Bruzzese, Charles Reitano (Pat), the late Grace Scavone, and the late Paul Reitano. Loved by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Elaine was born and raised in South Philadelphia. She married the love of her life, Tom at 18 years old, had three children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandson, who she adored. Elaine moved from the city to Glassboro and enjoyed living in the suburbs.
Elaine was a stay at home mom for 17 years, returned to work at Ron Donatucci plumbing supply company, then worked for many years at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard where she was editor of the Beacon newspaper until the Navy yard closed, and retired from Morgan Lewis Law firm.
Elaine enjoyed arts and crafts at the Glassboro Senior Center, loved socializing at Wedgwood Women’s Club where she took trips to Maine, Lancaster, New York, Atlantic City, and Cape May. She loved the casinos and one day she wanted to hit a big jackpot. She also enjoyed the theatre and Broadway shows. She was active in her church group Young at Heart, loved baking delicious cookies at Christmas and cooking big meals for her family. Her favorite was the family gathering with the 7 fishes on Christmas Eve.
Elaine will be sadly missed by her family. She had a beautiful smile. The family has many great memories of this wonderful mom, mom-mom, aunt, cousin and dear friend.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 8:00am to 10:00am at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Road, Washington Township. Mass of Christian Burial 10:45 am at Mary Mother of Mercy/Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, Glassboro, Interment New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.
“A Life Well Lived is Worth Remembering”