Obituary of Eleanor Ann Bitondo

Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, aunt and friend, Eleanor Ann Bitondo, 88, passed
away suddenly after a brief illness at St. Claire’s Hospital Denville NJ on Friday, April 14, 2023. Born on
May 31, 1934 in Morristown NJ, she is predeceased by her parents Eleanor “Doe” and Herman Honickel,
her loving husband Denville Valleyview Volunteer Fire Department Captain Rocco Bitondo, who passed
away in 2006. Eleanor and Rocco lived a life filled with love and a deep devotion to their family.

Eleanor and Rocco moved to Cedar Lake in Denville, New Jersey in 1957 to raise their family in this close-
knit lake community instilling in their children a deep appreciation of country living. While living at Cedar
Lake for 43 years they established many lifelong relationships with neighbors. Eleanor and Rocco
decided to sell the family home for another family to enjoy at 86 Cedar Lake East in 2000 because of
failing health and moved into Cooks Pond Senior Housing in Denville. As one of the original tenants at
Cooks Pond Senior housing they established many friendships throughout the past 23 years.

Eleanor loved nature, horses, animals, children, country music, socializing on Facebook and ICE CREAM!
Despite her failing eyesight and health over the past few years she found peace and serenity sitting
outdoors meditating, watching the clouds and sun set or sitting peacefully listening to birds sing or
watching the deer graze outside her apartment. She and her husband enjoyed many simple pleasures in
life like camping, boating and bird watching. MOST of all Eleanor loved and lived for her family never
wanting for more than an occasional phone call or a visit when she became homebound over the past
few years. Those who knew Eleanor well described her as “the kindest, most spiritual, caring person
who never had a bad word to say about anyone for any reason”. Eleanor’s zest for simple living and the
love of family will live forever in our hearts.

Eleanor is survived by her four children; Patricia, David, Daniel and Sharon, two son-in-law’s Marty and
George, and a daughter-in-law Gail; her seven grandchildren, Charles Jason Scheffold and his wife Dr.
Karen Graves, Heather Poppell and her husband Michael Poppell, Nicole Wich, Damon Wich, Kayla
Bitondo, Katie Bitondo, Bobby Dylan Bitondo and his wife Lindsey; and her six great-grandchildren
Emma Jean Poppell, Maggie Patience Poppell, Blake Bitondo, Abigail Eleanor Scheffold, Alexander
Charles Scheffold, and Mason James Scheffold. If you would like to contribute to Eleanor's memory yourself, please consider donating to her favorite charities; The Visiona Loss Alliance of New Jersey, or the Denville Volunteer Fire Department. Donations can be made via inmemof.org.

Eleanor requested we not grieve for her at a wake but rather celebrate her life joyfully each in our own
special ways. At their request Eleanor and Rocco’s ashes will be scattered at a future family memorial
reunion at their favorite family vacation spot Lake George NY.

Norman Dean Home for Services is handling arrangements for cremation. Please check back later for public memorial service information.