Elizabeth M. Cottilli
August 29, 2006
Prominent Weirton Businesswoman
Elizabeth M. Cottilli, a retired Weirton businesswoman and prominent community figure, died Sunday, August 27, 2006 at the Weirton Medical Center.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph P. Cottilli; her parents, James and Bessie Mazzo and a brother, James Mazzo, Jr.
She is survived by her son, Eugene Cottilli, daughter-in-law April Rivers and granddaughter Gabriella Cottilli, all of Silver Spring, Maryland. She is also survived by nieces Adrienne Pietrafeso (Ron) of Elbert, Colorado and Victoria Simmons (Michael) of Parker, Colorado; sister-in-law Trudy Mazzo of Parker, Colorado; great-nieces Nicole, Jessica and Gianna Pietrafeso and great-nephew Jason Simmons.
She co-owned the Plaza Men's Shop and Ladies Sportswear store in Weirton from 1962 to 1989.
She served as State President of the Business and Professional Women (BPW)in 1992 and was past president of the Weirton club. She also was a past president of the GFWC Weirton Women's Club.
She was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers.
She was part of the 'Calendar Girls' performance group, which performed song-and-dance shows at a number of area venues.
Friends will be received Wednesday 7-9PM and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton.
A vigil service will be held 8:30PM Thursday in the funeral home.
Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 10AM Friday at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Saint Paul Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph's Choir or the BPW USA Foundation.
Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com
Dear Eugene and family, I am so sorry for the sudden death of your mother. She indeed was a good and devoted woman. Besides, my being a member of St. Joseph’s choir, too, I remember when your mom and dad opened the Plaza Men’s Shop and how happy we were to have a quality store on Weirton Heights. She will be greatly missed by the choir and the community. My sincere condolances, Marie Clancey
Eugene, sorry to hear of your loss. I knew her from Dan and the Plaza. She was a wonderful woman. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. sincerely, jerry hamill
Eugene, you have my deepest condolences on the loss of your Mother. I have very fond memories of her while being in at the Plaza Mens Shop. God Bless you and yours, Nick Kundrat
Eugene, I am a member of the St Joseph Church choir. When I joined the choir over 20 years ago, your mother took me ‘under her wing’ and helped me with the music. I also worked with her at the BPW blood screenings at WMC. She was a kind and talented lady. She will be greatly missed. Please accept my sincere condolences.
I knew Elizabeth through BPW. She was one of the grandest ladies I have had the pleasure of knowing. We shared many stories and pictures with her sharing her granddaughter and me sharing my daughter. I will miss her tremendously. It won’t be the sames without her at BPW functions.
Dear Eugene and family, Please accept our heartfelt sympathy.
Dear Eugene, Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your Mother. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Eugene, Very sorry to hear of ‘Aunt Elizabeth’s’ passing as I used to call her. I have wonderful memories of her as I grew up in the community of Weirton. I remember her always being very proud of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of a fine lady. I enjoyed her many tales about her times in BPW. She will be sadly missed by all.
Liz had the voice of an angel. She knew how to control it, too! She would sing and everyone would watch her. They couldn’t keep their eyes off of her. She had a full, vibrato soprano voice that took your breath away. She will be sorely missed by the St. Joseph Choir. What a fine lady!
It was a real pleasure and honor to have known Elizabeth. She was a wonderful professional in every way. We had such a good time at the Elkins BPW picnic. Following the picnic, I received a beautiful card from Elizabeth and her kind words will be engraved in my heart forever. My deepest sympathy, love and prayers to her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter and other family members. She was so proud of her family. May God bless you especially during this difficult time, Sincerely, Jackie Bright (304) 636-3554
Eugene, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. Comare Elizabeth shall now reunite with Compare Ralph in heaven. Although it has been many years since I have seen you, I still have many childhood memories of you and your family. I was always “in style” with the many birthday and christmas gifts from the Plaza Mens Shop! Warmest regards, Mark Pizzoferrato
To Elizabeth’s family, my deepest sympathy to one of the finest “ladies” I have known. I saw pictures and heard many stories of her family during many a BPW function. I looked up to her as my mentor when serving as a BPW/WV state president. She will be truly missed by all who knew her. Diana Bedell, BPW/WV Past State President
TO EUGENE AND FAMILY. I AM SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS. I HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF RALPH AND ELIZABETH FROM ALL MY YEARS AT THE MENS SHOP AND EVEN BEYOND THAT.IT WAS ONE HAPPY FAMILY. GOD BLESS! SINCERELY DAN VARITEK
Mr. Cottilli and family: I had the pleasure of enjoying your mother through BPW. She loved to have a good time, and I’ll never forget her “fun” skits. What a classy and caring lady! Cynthia Kolsun Former State BPW/WV President.
Eugene, so very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I have very fond memories of the Plaza Men’s Shop and always being greeted with a smile by your mom. Lifting you and your family in prayer at this difficult time. Sincerely, Chip & Kay
My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved Elizabeth. I knew her through my affiliation with BPW. One could always count on Elizabeth whatever the task might have been. Her dedication to her family, her church, her business and to all the various organizations she belonged was unsurpassed. I always enjoyed her sense of humor. Elizabeth had a real zest for life. All who knew her will miss her dearly.