Ilona Corbett

Born in Queens, New York, Ilona spent her childhood between the city and summers in Connecticut with her family. Her adventurous spirit and entrepreneurial heart were evident early on — she was one of the original owners of the building fondly known as “The Toy Man,” where she ran an antique shop and a small, beloved eatery, “The Sail Inn.”

Together with her late husband Jack, Ilona was a familiar face at the Philadelphia antique shows, known for her sharp eye and unmatched ability to appraise a treasure. Later, she built a successful real estate career with Crane Company, becoming one of the leading sales professionals around Lake Mohawk. There are few homes in Lake Mohawk she didn’t walk through, sell, or appraise — her knowledge of the community was second to none.

Ilona and Jack shared a love of travel, visiting favorite destinations like Christmas Island, Bora Bora, and Chincoteague. For many years, they split their time between Lake Mohawk and Fort Myers, Florida, before Ilona returned to Sparta in her later years.

Ilona was predeceased by her husband Jack, her brother Richard, and her beloved daughter Deborah Leigh Caruso. She is survived by her son-in-law Chris Caruso, her granddaughter Chelsea Ilona Perno, her grandson Ryan Joseph Caruso, and her great-grandson Leonardo Christopher Perno.

Ilona will be deeply missed for her sharp wit, infectious sense of humor, and lifelong passion for making a deal. Time passes, but love remains. Until we meet again, Ilona.

Services will be held at Goble Funeral Home in Sparta, NJ from 12:00PM - 2PM on Friday, May 2, 2025 with a short service at 1:30PM. All are welcome to come show support for family and friends, and to celebrate Ilona Beth Corbett’s life.