Bernadine M. “Bea” Scorza (nee Iafrate), of Harrington Park, NJ died on Tuesday, October 20, 2015. Bea was 77 and is survived by her devoted husband Antonio. She is also survived by two siblings: Dolores Loveland of Closter, New Jersey, and Eugene Iafrate of Gold Canyon, Arizona, a sister-in-law, Mildred Iafrate of Closter, four nephews, one niece, and numerous grand-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Bernard Iafrate and Dennis Iafrate.
A lifelong educator and student, Bea earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Glassboro State College. After teaching briefly in Norwood, Bea combined her life-long love of travel with teaching by taking a position at the Mainz International School in Germany where she taught the children of diplomats, followed by a posting at the American School at Midway Island where she taught the children of US Naval officers. She moved back to the United States in the early 1970s, where she met and married Antonio Scorza and taught sixth grade in the Washington Township school system until her retirement 13 years ago.
An accomplished cook, baker, seamstress, and artist, Bea continued to teach adults until her death, holding classes in crocheting, needlepoint, quilting, and assorted crafts.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Bea’s memory to The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065.
The family will receive visitors at the Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ on Friday, October 23 from 2-4 and 7-9PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 10AM at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harriot Avenue, Harrington Park, NJ followed by interment at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Tenafly, NJ.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com