Obituary of Eleanor Pinto Salvadore

Eleanor Pinto Salvadore, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at her home in Lawrenceville, NJ, on Saturday, August 10, 2024.  Eleanor was born in Trenton, NJ on March 1, 1936. She and her husband George raised their children in Lawrenceville and were married 43 years at the time of his passing in March 1998. Known for her kindness and grace, “Ellie” cherished her children, Robin, Scott, and Kelly, as well as her five grandchildren and her first great granddaughter. She was a lifelong friend to many and enjoyed her last 14 years with her devoted companion, Dick Mazzola.

Ellie graduated from Trenton High with many honors and attended Rider College where she met the love of her life, George. She was honored as the Mayfair Queen at Rider College, Miss Ventor runner-up, and Miss Renault Champagne in the 1954 Miss America Pageant.

As a dedicated volunteer, Ellie served as the gym teacher at Saint Ann School, during its early years and developed the curriculum from the ground up. She later retired from the Lawrence Township School District after a distinguished 25+ years teaching in the talented and gifted program.

Eleanor will be remembered for her joyfulness, sense of style, and creativity. She actively contributed to the community through various architectural, landscape design and fundraising committees including Woodmont, Lawrenceville Main Street, and Lawrence Rehabilitation.  

Ellie and George loved their getaways to Florida but especially treasured their summer home in Brant Beach, Long Beach Island, where they spent decades creating memories with family and friends. They were long-time members of the Brant Beach Yacht Club.

Ellie’s personal interests included gardening, painting, tennis and she was an avid Villanova Basketball fan where her three children went to school. Ellie was everyone’s go-to person for helping to choose the perfect outfit or decorate their homes.

Eleanor is survived by her three children Robin Perkins (Howdy), Scott (Michael Zabriskie), and Kelly (Tammy), five grandchildren Ivy, Gray and Harry Perkins (Isabelle), Brendan and Meg Salvadore, and her great granddaughter India Eleanor Perkins.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 10:00AM at The Church of Saint Ann, 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.  Those attending the mass are asked to arrive to the church no later than 9:45AM.

The burial will be held privately for the family.

In honor of Eleanor, we invite you to wear bright colors as we come together to celebrate her life and the joy she brought to all of us. Let’s fill the day with vibrant hues, reflecting the warmth and positivity that Ellie shared with everyone.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Eleanor Salvadore, to The Church of Saint Ann, Lawrenceville, NJ.