Born in Sicily, she immigrated to the United States at the age of six. Only by the grace of God, her family was bumped off of the Andrea Doria cruise ship on its ill fated trip, and flew on one of the first transatlantic flights on the Boeing 747 from Europe to New York.
Elizabeth’s family was sponsored by another Italian family in Florida, where she spent many days sitting under the table her mother worked at, along with her siblings while their mother sewed all day in the factory. Her father worked at a gas station owned by their sponsor, and in true American Dream fashion, eventually purchased and owned this gas station. She learned from her father how to be tough, and that hard work was not to be shied away from. So she set out to make a name for herself.
Through her love of horses, Elizabeth indeed made a name for herself, by being a pioneer among the first female Jockeys, and the first Italian born female jockey in the US, winning over 25 races throughout her career. One time while being scheduled to ride a “really tough” horse, owned by her significant other at Atlantic City racetrack, he promptly pulled her name from riding. When she found out, Elizabeth stated that he would be walking home.
Predeceased by her parents, Aldo and Italia (Bandoria) Scalone; she is survived by her sons, Tony (Theresa) and Joseph (Elizabeth) Becht; her grandchildren, Daniel, Nicholas, and Christopher; her siblings Carmelo and Theresa Scalone, and many nieces and nephews.
Most of all she will be deeply missed by the love of her life for over 30 years, Bruno Pasceri.
All services for Elizabeth will be private.
