Obituary of Lillian Mongiove

Lillian Ida Mongiove was born on September 8, 1927, at 185 Stanhope Street, Brooklyn, New York. She was the beloved daughter of the late Peter and Josephine (Jean) Campisi. Lil was called to be with God on February 5, 2025. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 43 years, Peter Mongiove. She is survived by her three daughters, Linda, Gina, and Andrea; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her brothers Michael and Ralph, and sister-in-law Connie; five nieces; and many other relatives and friends.

Lilly graduated from Grover Cleveland High School. She attended secretarial school and became a secretary and stenographer for the government, working with both the VA and the Army Corps of Engineers, where she held top-secret clearance. Later, she became a stay-at-home mom to her three daughters, serving as their biggest cheerleader, supporter, and adviser.

When her daughters were grown, Lilly fulfilled her lifelong dream of attending college. She graduated from Brooklyn College with honors and worked for several years as a social worker before realizing her true calling—teaching. Lilly became a kindergarten teacher and later taught third grade at Holy Family School in Brooklyn. She didn’t retire from teaching until she was 74. One of her proudest moments was when a former student visited and told her, “Mrs. Mongiove, you taught me to love to read.” She never forgot that child or the impact she had made on her.

After retiring, Lilly embraced her favorite role: being a loving, selfless, and wonderful grandmother, affectionately known as Ma, Grandma, Nonna, and Grandnonna. She never said “no” to her family, especially her eight grandchildren. She often traveled with her family. Some of her favorite trips were an Alaskan Cruise with her husband, Pete, trips to mainland Italy, then Sicily, a cross-country road trip to California, and countless excursions.

Lilly’s favorite color is yellow. She enjoyed reading, writing poetry, listening to music, and dancing. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and word searches, and especially enjoyed her weekly calls from her niece Lori. She also enjoyed watching movies, and T.V., and especially Fox News. Lilly enjoyed the simple things in life, like sitting in the sunshine, often commenting on the beauty of nature. She was beautiful inside and out.

Lillian Mongiove was loving, giving, smart and accomplished. Her life was rich with family, adventure, laughter, and joy. She always spoke proudly of her family and her Italian-American heritage. She prided herself on her sharp mind, quick wit, and never needing a mobility aid. Although Lilly lived to nearly 98, her family will deeply miss her presence in their lives. She was a woman of faith, and we know she is now in the loving arms of God. Arrivederci, Mamma, until we see you again.

Viewing will be held on Monday, February 17th, at Marine Park Funeral Home at 3024 Quentin Road, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11234, from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 18th at 9:45 at Holy Family Catholic Church at 9719 Flatlands Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11236, followed by entombment at The Evergreens Cemetery 1629 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y.11207.

Flowers can be sent to Marine Park Funeral Home. Donations, in her name, can be sent to the Salvation Army.