Evelyn M Bongiovanni

June 2 1924- July 21 2023

We are sad to announce the passing of Evelyn Bongiovanni of Pinellas Park, Florida formerly of St. Petersburg, Florida and New Port Richey, Florida. Evelyn passed away Friday on July 21, 2023 a few weeks after her 99th birthday.

Evelyn was born June 2,1924 to her loving parents, Louis and Lauretta Juliano of Perth Amboy, Middlesex New Jersey. She was the baby of 8 siblings. She is preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of 58 years, Peter Bongiovanni. She is survived by her children Louis J. Bongiovanni and his partner Scott Velez of St. Petersburg and Lorretta Pleitner of Largo, grandson Michael Pleitner and two great-grandsons.

How do you begin to write on a life of 99 years for a beloved mom and friend? How do you sum up a life well lived? I think you must focus on only three of the things Evelyn loved so much, her family and friends, her church and good food.

Evelyn’s long life began just before the Great Depression. During this time, you found an appreciation for everything you had in life. At the young age of around 12 or 13, Evelyn would find her love for cooking. That love would grow as she would find herself cooking and baking for the entire family. During her younger years she enjoyed being with her family and having fun with her brothers and sisters, especially her older sister Jo. Later to help support the family during the Great Depression, she would go out and find work. Evelyn found a job in a local clothing factory. While working there she became friends with Anna Bongiovanni. A little later Evelyn was introduced to Anna's brother Peter. And lets just say he was taken with Evelyn. She certainly had her own special way of making a lasting impression on everyone she met ...especially Pete. He immediately started asking questions about this girl he just met. Later Anna told Evelyn that her brother liked her and he wanted to go on a date. Evelyn responded by saying, “If your brother wants to go on a date then have him call me.” After a couple of weeks Pete finally got up the courage and called Evelyn. And that was the beginning of their life together. They dated for over a year and then Peter ask for her hand in marriage. Peter and Evelyn were married on August 23, 1947, at Most Holy Rosary Church in Perth Amboy New Jersey.

As they began building their life together their love grew deeper. While working hard and tending to their needs, they had two beautiful children Loretta and Louis. Raising children is not an easy job so Evelyn had to be stern, but at the same time be a loving mother. Not only did she teach them the basics of life, she also taught them the difference between right and wrong, treat others as you want to be treated and most importantly to love one another. While working at the clothing factory she learned the tricks of the trade but at the same time she was perfecting her cooking skills. Being Italian where every family has their own special “sauce”, Evelyn was no exception. The cooking that she perfected was family recipes that were passed down through the generations. And Evelyn was proud, and it made her happy to cook for anyone she called a friend. Before moving to St. Petersburg in 1969, Evelyn's brother opened a bakery, and he gave her the recipe for the true New York style cheesecake. On any given day you could find Evelyn in the kitchen preparing one of these cheesecakes. And if you ever received one you were truly special, she thought very highly of you. She showed her love through baking and cooking amazing food not only for her family but for anyone she knew.

Peter and Evelyn and the two children made the move to St. Petersburg in 1969. This is where Peters construction work brought them. And they set up a home for their family. In Evelyns special way she made the home beautiful and perfect. They would stay in St. Petersburg for a few years and in that time, made a lot of lifelong friendships. Wherever they would live they found a church and built a church life which was very important to Evelyn. Ever since she was a small child the church held a special place in her heart. She was a devoted Catholic who attended mass weekly and prayed with her rosery daily. She would pray for friends who needed help, pray for those who were ill and prayed when she got into a car, and also as we would be driving. Who doesn’t need a prayer while driving these days? In 1977 after working extremely hard and putting money aside, Evelyn and Pete moved to New Port Richey. This is where they had a beautiful house built. While living there they became members of the Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. And Evelyn became President of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Knights of Columbus, Father William Loesch Council 8155. Where she engaged in her creative and entrepreneurial talents running the successful rummage sales, shoppers’day Christmas boutique, bonanza raffle and many luncheons. To be closer to their children, in 1999 Evelyn and Pete decided to move to Pinellas Park. They wanted a simpler life and to be close to family. They bought a townhouse where they lived for many years and while there became members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Evelyn became an active member in the church and oversaw the weekly bingo games. As time went on Evelyn never stopped supporting the church and never faltered from her faith. Even as she was unable to attend mass in the church, Evelyn would do her prayers and rosery daily and had mass brought to her home.

Evelyn lived a long and happy life. A life where hard work and determination was the only option. She had a life full of laughter, full of good home cooking and a life that was filled with an abundant amount of love.

Evelyn will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her.