Obituary of Bernadette "Betty" Penotti

LOS ANGELES - In loving memory of our mother, Bernadette "Betty" Penotti, who passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 21, 2023. She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Robert "Bob" Penotti. Loving mother of Frank Penotti, Bernadette Penotti, Robert J. Penotti, John (Sheryl) Penotti, Mark Penotti, and David (Tracy) Penotti. Grandmother of Luca Penotti. Beloved sister of Angela Alecci who was her ever loyal confidant and anchor of support. Bernadette also leaves behind her adored nephews, George (Karin) Alecci and John (Linda) Alecci, along with her great nieces and nephews, God-children, cherished extended family, and friends.

Bernadette was born and raised in New York City, the loving daughter of Giovanna and Giovanni Calabrese. She was a graduate of Washington Irving High School and attended City College in New York.

She met her husband, Bob, at a family wedding in 1954 and they married a year later. Following their blessed union, they moved to Bob's hometown of Paterson, NJ where they raised their six children. For the next 35 years, their house on Berkshire Avenue was a bustling hub of activity with Betty as the heart and soul of it all. Everyone was always welcome at her table, to share a meal or some espresso and Italian cookies.

Betty lived her life guided by her deep faith and was a devoted parishioner of St. Gerard R. C. Church in Paterson. She also enjoyed working at William Paterson University in the EOF department for 22 years. In 1995 Betty and Bob retired to Wayne, NJ to begin a new chapter in their long life together.

Betty Penotti was a genuinely selfless person. Tireless in her devotion to her family and friends, she was generous and kind to all that crossed her path, human and animal alike. While her warmth, spirit and passion for helping others will be greatly missed, her memory will live on through all of the people she touched throughout her life. We miss her deeply, but know she will forever be in our hearts.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at 11:00am on Friday, September 29, 2023 at St. Gerard Majella R. C. Church, 501 West Broadway, Paterson NJ. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Carmelite Monastery in Morristown, which always held a special place in her heart. https://www.carmelnj.org/ Arrangements are by Festa Memorial Funeral Home, Totowa.