Elda Vanola

Elda Vanola (Ghidella) 98, Naples, Florida and formerly of Neptune City, New Jersey, passed away with her daughters holding her hands at VItas Hospice on March 7, 2019.

Elda was born on Bleecker St., New York City, NY. At the age of 15 she left school to work in her parents restaurant. In September 1945 Elda met the love of her life, Peter Vanola. After a  whirlwind courtship they married on February 5, 1946 and in mid December welcomed their first daughter, Diana. In 1948 when they bought Pedeflous restaurant in Watchung, New Jersey working as a team her job was in the kitchen preparing appetizers. After he sold Pedeflous, Pete and Elda bought Jake and Millie‘s Bar and Grill in Neptune City, New Jersey quickly changing the name to Pete and Elda”s  Bar and Grill.  In those early, tough years Elda would get up early and clean the bar before it opened.  A few years later they welcomed their second daughter, Donna.

Pete and Elda retired to Naples Florida in 1984 where they were able to enjoy 34 years of retirement by golfing, extensive travel and spending time with family and friends.

Elda will be greatly missed by all who knew her but especially by her loving family. Elda was the backbone of the family although she never let Pete know it.

She loved to crochet and make baby hats for the Naples Community Hospital  and the NICU at Jersey Shore  University Medical Center. She also crocheted afghan’s for Mary’s Place By The Sea, Ocean Grove and for family and friends.

Elda loved to bake and always gave out boxes and plates of her homemade cookies and banana bread to friends and neighbors, especially around the holidays.

Elda was most happy when she could be with her family especially her daughters. She loves to shop with them and give them her motherly advice. She was so happy to be able to spend time with her granddaughter and great grandsons this past month. But even surrounded by all those who loved her, she still missed Peter. When it became too hard for her to go on without him her  heart prepared to join him. She is now with him and he will always and forever hold her hand.

Elda was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Peter on 1/13/2019 and her son-in-law Jack Glassen. Elda leaves her daughters Diana (Jack) Deshefy and Donna Glassen, granddaughter Kirsten (Chris) Blotto, great grandsons Michael and Nicholas Blotto, her sisters-in-law Jeanette Ghidella and Esterina  Vanola, Nephews Tom and John LaCosta, Richard and Peter Ghidella, and Piero and Antonino Cantoia. 

In keeping with Elda's wishes there will be no funeral services.