Kathryn Elizabeth Donofrio

Kathryn E. Donofrio was born at home in Vandling, PA, to Frank and Margaret (Kleinbauer) Pazel. She was born into a faithful Catholic family with high values and a sense of pride in their German ancestry. The Pazel children were Florence, Anne, Kathryn, Elizabeth, Margaret, and Frank Jr. (All are deceased now except Margaret who lives in South Carolina near her daughter and son-in-law, Margie and Gerhard Spangenberg). When Kay was a senior in high school she left Penn-sylvania and moved to Towaco, New Jersey, to live with and care for her mother’s sister, Aunt Gene Cory, Uncle Sam Cory and Same Cory Jr. Jobs were difficult to find and Aunt Gene paid Kay for her hard work. Interestingly, Aunt Gene’s house was almost across the street from the handsome young man, Al Donofrio, part of a large Italian family who was also Catholic and had high values, and a sense of pride in their Italian heritage. It was Al’s father, Jim Donofrio, who first saw this beautiful Ger-manic woman. Jim arranged introductions and Kathryn met the handsome Italian young man; their first date was down the long winding road to the Cider Mill. They walked and talked all the way, at some time when the moment was right Albert stole his first kiss. There is always something about a first kiss, and this was no different. The courtship had be-gun a lifetime of love. They dated and were wed on April 3, 1937. The ceremony was at St Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Boonton. In 2007, when this church celebrated its 100th anniversary, Kay and Al received an award and were recognized for their long-standing marriage of 70 years. Just imagine, when she left Pennsylvania she had no idea that she would live right across the street from the man should would remain marry to for just 3 days shy of 71 years when Albert passed away. Kay and Al lived in several places in and around Boonton, NJ, but never strayed very far. Kay worked hard at many jobs to help with the family finances. Kay had two children. First a son, Gerald (Jerry) James Donofrio, Octo-ber 12, 1941. Kay took such good care of Jerry and kept the home immaculate. Then on October 12, 1943, Kay gave birth to a daughter, Sondra Ann Donofrio. She was so happy to have a boy and a girl. She said a friend from Pennsylvania had written her a note before Jerry was born that read, “I wish you first a baby boy and when his hair begins to curl, I wish you then a baby girl.” Some of Kay’s odd jobs were babysitting, and house cleaning, at one time she worked at the “Pocketbook Fac-tory.” She even worked at Picatinny Arsenal for a short time but always said she hated that job. At one time she worked in a store that Al and his brother Bill owned. Her favorite job was working at Aircraft Radio and she worked there for years before she retired. Then about 1966 Kay and Al moved to beautiful Randolph, New Jersey, on Mt Fern. By 1979, Al retired from Picatinny Arsenal, they were able to enjoy more time together. They traveled a lot around the United States, and had fun camping and celebrating events with family members. Kay always had a funny story to tell about each trip. Al would say how she made friends with everyone. At least one summer they went to the shore to help Al’s brother Vincent and his family with their board-walk restaurant—Kay would tell that story to as many as would listen. She loved to cook and bake. Kay belonged to the Randolph Senior Club where she helped make Christmas ornaments and other craftwork. She and Al also took bus trips with their group too; they had a wonderful time. Kay was active in the St Mary’s Catholic church in Dover. She loved music, especially when Al played the organ or keyboard. She used to laugh and say the only thing she could play was the radio and TV. Everyone who ever tasted Kay’s homemade chocolate cake knew she was the best baker in town. She was amaz-ingly beautiful, she was the best wife a man could want, the best mother a son or daughter could hope for, and she loved every member of her family and extended family. Kay lived a long and happy life. She will be missed by many especially those closest to her. Friends may call Tuesday afternoon from 2 to 6 pm at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mt. Holly. Interment will be held at a later date.

Kathryn Elizabeth Donofrio

August 1, 2010