Obituary of Gloria I. Scaffidi

Gloria I. Scaffidi, at 101 years young, passed away with her family by her side on November 29th in her home in which she has lived from the age of 3. As a youngster she studied piano at the Settlement Music School, a division of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. She played piano with a small group of friends, performing at weddings and gatherings. On weekends in her youth, she helped her parents, Joseph and Angelina Izzi, who, along with their daily occupations, had their own business, Hammonton Krystal Water, making and selling bleach, also known as "javelle water." She graduated from Glassboro College in 1945 from an accelerated teacher certification program that was begun to help fill a shortage of teachers due to World War II. Her teaching career began at the Pomona school system, continued in the Egg Harbor City school system, and culminated in the Hammonton school system. An 8th grade English teacher at Hammonton, she developed, coordinated, and provided the piano accompaniment for the 8th grade commencements. In 1948 she married her late husband, Dr. Joseph Scaffidi. Shortly after their wedding, he expressed his desire to become a physician. Unable to complete high school due to his father's death, he earned his high school degree, graduated from La Salle College, and then graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, all with her support and help as she continued teaching. Upon the opening of his practice, she concluded teaching and ran the business office aspect of the practice, which successfully lasted for more than 30 years. Her home and family meant everything to her, and she selflessly dedicated her life to the care of her parents, husband, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. She knew her son-in-law to be a fine man, and her daughter and grandson were the lights of her life. Through her stories and actions, she passed down the importance of hard work and devotion to family that her parents instilled in her. In her later years, she often remarked on her daughter's unwavering care for her, and she was so proud to see her grandson following in his grandfather's footsteps, currently in his second year at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and being in her home. Many great conversations were enjoyed with friends Frank, Renee, and Barbara. Erica and Nora were so helpful in her final days. She would say, "Where did the years go?" She was always "sharp as a tack." Being interviewed this year by the Hammonton Historical Society was a happy experience, sharing all the changes she has seen in Hammonton and the world throughout her years. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and Andrew Wilhelm, and grandson Joseph Wilhelm. Services were held privately as per her wishes. If one desires, donations in her name may be made to a fund dear to her, Keep Them in Blazers, at St. Augustine Prep, 611 Cedar Ave, Richland NJ 08350.