Obituary of Virginia J. Iavarone

Virginia J. Iavarone (nee Lucas) passed away peacefully Sunday morning, September 22, 2024 at her Parsippany NJ home, surrounded by family. She was 82.

She was born and raised in Perth Amboy, NJ. She was the oldest of 4 children of Andrew and Stephanie Lucas. Her siblings included her sister Lillian (married to Michael) Pastirik, and brothers Dennis (married to Carol) Lucas, and Andrew Lucas.

Virginia graduated from St. Mary's High School in Perth Amboy in 1960. Following her high school graduation, she furthered her professional development by going to dental assistant school. She went on to become a dental assistant for Dr. Dry-Henich, DDS in Fords, NJ.

In the spring of 1966, Virginia met Dennis. Dennis just returned home from his second tour of duty in Vietnam. They met at a piano bar down at the NJ shore and would spend the rest of the summer enjoying their favorite spots around the various beaches along the NJ coastline. The courtship went fast! They would go on to get married in August 1967. They celebrated their honeymoon in San Juan, Puerto Rico. When they were first married, they remained in the area and eventually purchased their first home on Galloping Hill Road in Elizabeth, NJ.

In 1973, they adopted their first child, Joseph, from Saigon, Vietnam. Soon thereafter, in 1974, they adopted their second child, Dennis, from Saigon, Vietnam.

As beautiful a home as it was on Galloping Hill, Virginia always worried about the safety of the growing boys. So, in 1979, the family of four moved to Brookside Court in Parsippany, NJ. This would be the family home from that day forward and remains so now for 44+ years. Virginia enjoyed the home which is situated on a cul-de-sac neighborhood where she would manage the active household full of extended family and friends. She would graciously host family events like baby showers, wedding showers, graduations and holidays. It wasn't only the big life events and holidays. She would host family occasions throughout the year as she created a very welcoming environment for all. All of these times will forever be emblazoned into the memories of her friends and family. There are countless memories of the home which she managed throughout the near half-century of time.

Virginia will be fondly remembered as a someone who passionately spent all her energy and attention on her family. She would spend weekends on the soccer sidelines, evenings chauffeuring the boys to various activities, and always ensuring her husband came home to a homecooked meal. These are only a few examples of her selfless acts which defined her character and her heart. People will always remark about her big heart and generosity coupled with friendly demeanor at all times.

When Virginia wasn't busy attending to the seemingly endless needs of her boys and husband, she enjoyed relaxing at home and watching her favorite television shows. She also loved the movies. She had a wide taste in entertainment but seemed drawn to the story of the underdog. She was a staunch advocate for the underdog no matter the situation…whether it was sprots, politics, or the local news stories, she would always support the underdog.

Virginia would go on to enjoy spending time with her 4 grandchildren, JJ, Sophie, Zachary and Noah, who arrived on the scene between 2003 and 2013. The grandchildren will forever have loving memories of 'Grandma' who would spend time with them.

She was a longtime member of St. Ann Roman Catholic Church in Parsippany.

Virginia is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Dennis M. Iavarone; two beloved sons, Joseph G. Iavarone and his wife, Susan of Romansville, PA, and Dennis A. Iavarone and his wife, Evangeline of Netcong, NJ; her dear siblings, Lillian Pastirik and her husband, Michael and Dennis Lucas and his wife, Carol; and four cherished grandchildren, Joseph J. Iavarone, Sophie Iavarone, Noah Iavarone and Zachary Iavarone.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, 2:00-4:00pm & 7:00-9:00pm at S.J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service, 60 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha, NJ. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 at 11:00am at St. Ann R.C. Church, Parsippany. Private cremation will follow at Locust Hill Crematory, Dover.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for memorial gifts to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://stjude.org) in Virginia's memory.