Dorothy Sgarlato

Dorothy Sgarlato, age 85, of Wayne, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, while in the presence of her loving family.

Dorothy was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, the youngest of Dominic and Anna (Appolari) Stalletti’s five children. Following graduation from High School in Brooklyn, she worked as a secretary in Manhattan until marriage.

Dorothy met her husband Michael Sgarlato by means of a fine set up by her sister Katherine “Kay”. They fell in love and exchanged their wedding promises before God, family and friends on Saturday, February 23, 1957 at Guardian Angel R.C. Church in Brooklyn and, after a honeymoon in the Poconos, they initially settled down to begin their lives as husband and wife in Brooklyn, NY. Dorothy embraced her role as homemaker and she and Mike were soon blessed with their four children – two sons and two daughters.

In 1970, with the opening of the Willowbrook Mall, one of the largest malls in the USA at the time, in Wayne, NJ, Dorothy’s husband Mike saw opportunity. Consequently, the whole family moved to Wayne and Mike opened Sgarlato’s Pizza in the Willowbrook Mall. It turned out to be a great success which involved almost the entire family, even Dorothy who served as her husband’s bookkeeper. Despite her support in the business, Dorothy continued to enjoy her role as mother and homemaker the most. She lovingly kept the home in good order, making it a welcome place to come home after a day at work or school, and she poured herself into her children’s lives, supporting them in their education and other pursuits.

Despite having a husband in the pizzeria restaurant business, Dorothy or “Dot” as only Mike called her, preferred to work in the kitchen in her own home. She was a fabulous cook and baker who never found cooking to be a chore but rather a creative outlet that she loved pursuing, and her family were the fortunate recipients of Dorothy’s delicious creations. Family favorites included her Potato Croquettes and her out-of-this-world Tiramisu which went well with a cup of her strong coffee which she perked on the stove.

Truly, Dorothy’s favorite holiday was Christmas. She loved hosting and being together on Christmas Eve when, in true Italian tradition, she served the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Christmas was also that time of year when she baked her sugar cookies and drop cookies which were also enjoyed by all, usually with a cup of that delicious coffee.

When the spring brought warmer temperature, Dorothy loved to get outside and work in her gardens. Her yard was adorned with beautiful flowers and, if a weed popped up, she’d be on it like a cat on a mouse. No weeds allowed in Dorothy’s gardens! Dorothy loved all of God’s beautiful creation and animals were no exception. Over the years she enjoyed the beautiful songs of her parakeets Kiwi and Pistachio and there was always a dog by her side, most recently Wiggles, a little poodle who always looked after her.

Above all else, Dorothy’s greatest affection was for her dear family. They were her greatest achievement and reason for living. She loved going to New York City to see shows on Broadway and the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center and it was never more fun than when she could go with Mike, the kids or her precious grandchildren. Like any good grandmother, she loved spoiling her grandchildren with toys and clothes.

Dorothy will always be remembered for the sweet, caring, kind, compassionate and generous women that she was. In a world where peace and tranquility are often in short supply, there was always plenty of both and a lot of love in Dorothy’s presence. She will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.      

Dorothy was the beloved wife of Michael, blessed in marriage for 48 years until his passing in 2005. She was the most loving mother of Michael Sgarlato of Wayne, Daniel and wife Darlene Sgarlato of West Caldwell, Theresa and Husband William Durkin of Highland Lakes, and Dorothy Sgarlato of Wayne; adoring grandmother of: Justine Davis and husband Josh Break, Andrew Sgarlato and wife Lia Pizzicato, and Adrienne Sgarlato and fiancé Tyler Asher; cherished great-grandmother of Avery and Makayla; dear sister of: the late Vincent “Jimmy” Stalletti, Caroline Stalletti, the late Katherine Vite, and the late Anthony “Sonny” Stalletti; and dear aunt of numerous nieces and nephews. Finally, she is survived by her beloved poodle, Wiggles.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Dorothy’s name are asked to consider:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,
Memorial Processing,
501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959
Click HERE to donate online

Friends of Wayne Animals (FOWA)
PO Box 3701 Wayne, NJ 07470
Click HERE to donate online