Idalia M. Stefani

Idalia M. Stefani, 96, beloved wife of Dino Stefani, 96, and mom to Carol Rizzi and Diane Stefani, was born Idalia Carbo Bonilla in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on March 23, 1925. Ida is the daughter of Reyneira Bonilla and Francisco Carbo. After moving to Manhattan in the ‘30s, she attended Julia Richman High School on the Upper East Side.

Gorgeous and smart enough to be an actress, her mom discouraged Ida from going to Hollywood. Good thing too because Ida met her husband of 72 years at a concert at the bandshell in Central Park in 1947 after Dino served in the Army. They married on February 13, 1949, enjoyed their first night as a couple at the Essex Hotel before honeymooning in Washington, DC. For their 60th Anniversary they enjoyed fine dining and a night of dancing to a big band at the Rainbow Room at 30 Rockefeller Center, NYC. They lived in Yorkville most of their lives giving their daughters the opportunity to attend St. Joseph’s Grammar School.

Most recently, Mom’s fondest memories was living with her daughter Carol, son-in-law John Rizzi, and adorable rescue Ruby in Sedona, Arizona, and when on the East Coast in Margate, New Jersey with her daughter Diane and son-in-law Terry Peikin. Ida was happiest going to the casinos; watching Blue Bloods, Colombo, Jeopardy, and old films from the Golden Age of movies; spending time with Carol’s close friends in Sedona; and with extended family in Yonkers and South Jersey. Ida’s favorite companion to go to the casinos in Atlantic City with was Diane’s mother-in-law Eleanor Blumenthal, 101 – enjoying many hours at the slot machines together.

In many ways, the fun times in Atlantic City was coming full circle for mom, since during the ‘60s, it was THE destination to take their daughters to on summer vacation. Its sandy beaches, diving horse at the Steel Pier, and walking the world-famous Boardwalk endure as favorite family memories. In addition to AC, many summers were spent in Sound Beach, Long Island, where drive-in movies, catching fireflies, and outdoor picnic birthdays with the Piekarski’s, a family of 11, provided all the entertainment her young daughters could ask for.

In addition to babies (any babies!) Ida met while out and about, she also loved her many jobs instilling a strong work ethic in her daughters. After an early career as a dental hygienist, bookkeeper for Local 30, election inspector for the NYC Board of Elections, she worked until 89 years of age as a cashier at the Cinema 1, 2 and 3 Theater. Oh yes, seeing movies at the theater was another passion of Ida’s, especially when she was able to catch early film studio preview screenings.

When in Manhattan, Ida relished getting her hair done by neighborhood stylist Hilda and sharing many a meal with her husband at Gracie’s Diner on Second Avenue.

Ida is loved and will be remembered by everyone she met – from colleagues at her numerous jobs; waiters at her favorite places to eat; neighbors and workers at 1646 First Avenue, but most especially her husband, daughters, sons-in-law, and friends too numerous to mention.