After LHS, I went on to Montclair State College (now University), where I graduated with degrees in Management and Marketing. Thirty days after graduation, I married Jack—a 1975 LHS graduate—who had followed me around since I was 15!

One night back in 1974, Jack was with Kathy Witowski Coviello in her front yard when he saw Diana Lyons Brazil (both ’77) and me riding our bikes. We stopped to chat, and Jack turned to Kathy and said, “Who is that? I’m going to marry her one day!” And he did!! Thus, our adventure together began.

We bought a house in Rockaway Township, where we still live—three additions later! We’ve been here as long as we’ve been married: 44 years.

We have two daughters, Jacki and Christina, who both live in town, along with our four grandchildren. We also have three step-grandchildren from Christina’s second marriage. Jacki has two children, Jackson and Meika. Jackson is our lacrosse prodigy, playing for both town and national club teams, specializing in face-offs. He also plays football and is a natural at it. His sister Meika plays field hockey, cheers, and is a talented artist.

Christina has twins, Skyler and Decklyn. Skyler loves gymnastics, basketball, and cheers for our town. Decklyn—our lineman—loves football (and won the Pancake Award this year!), basketball, and lacrosse. Saturdays are spent watching them all play and cheering them on. We feel so blessed that our entire family lives in the same town and that we get to enjoy so much time together.

I’ve had several jobs since graduating. I continued doing dressmaking and alterations throughout college for extra income. I worked as an Assistant Manager at Hahne’s Department Store, then as an accounts payable/receivable clerk on an IBM System/34 (remember those? LOL!).

After having children, I co-owned a business designing and painting sportswear, which we sold through home parties. I later became the office manager at a nanny agency, where I interviewed both nannies and families and helped place nannies throughout New Jersey.

I was always active on Booster Club and PTA boards, ran the school store at the girls’ elementary school, and fundraised extensively. I ran the Project Graduation Fashion Show for the High School for six years—yes, I was the sucker who always raised her hand to help—but I loved it! I also helped my husband run the Girls Basketball program in town for 12 years, even after our girls graduated. Jack couldn’t just hand it over to anyone, so we stayed until he could!

I also ran my husband’s political campaigns when he ran for Town Council. He was just re-elected and will now begin his 25th year of service. I am incredibly proud of all he has accomplished.

When our daughters were in high school, I started my current job at a medical device company. I began in clinical testing and later moved into purchasing, eventually becoming a Senior Buyer. I discovered I’m quite good at negotiating prices and contracts, thanks to my “take no prisoners” attitude when it comes to getting the best deal and getting the job done! I’ve been there for over 23 years and hope to retire in 2026.

Life changed dramatically for us when Jack suffered a major stroke in 2013. At first, he couldn’t see, stand, or walk. After eight weeks of rehab, his vision returned (though he lost peripheral vision), and he learned to walk again. He’s not as steady as he once was and uses a cane outside the house, but his determination is unmatched. He still attends physical therapy and works every day to get stronger. I’m forever by his side, helping however I can. We are so blessed to have incredible friends and family who support us.

Through Jack’s stroke, we’ve both become advocates for people with disabilities. You truly see life differently when your perspective changes.

I still love to garden and grow some pretty great tomatoes and basil—what else would you expect from a Sicilian girl? I don’t sew as much anymore, but I’ve started teaching my grandchildren, including the boys (everyone should know how to sew on a button!). The lack of home economics in schools is definitely noticeable!

I hope to see all of you at our 50th reunion!