Patricia (Pati) Nufrio Robertozzi

Patricia (better known as Pati) Robertozzi died peacefully surrounded by her family at Overlook Medical Hospital on April 20th 2026. We believe her daily talks with Jesus are now face-to-face, and she is in her eternal heavenly home.

Born and raised in Hillside on October 2nd to the late Vito and Clara (Ginelli) Robertozzi. She was predeceased by many family members, who loved her dearly. Patricia loved spending time with her sisters, the late Mary Visotski, Jennie Robertozzi-Martino, Veda Serratelli, Thomas Robertozzi, and her only surviving sister, Nancy Pucci (Anthony Pucci), shopping, working, going to the salon, and cooking.

Patricia raised her three daughters in Roselle Park, always involved in their activities as their greatest cheerleader. She was the “Softball Team Mom”, involved in school activities, making crafts, which have been kept in the family all these years, and always finding reasons to celebrate her children. Later in life, she lived in Fanwood for 10 years, then in Berkeley Heights for the remainder of her life.

Pati was proud of her years as a dancer. She learned many styles of dance, taught belly dancing, and loved ballroom dancing. Pati was an interior designer who took pleasure in helping people make their house a home. She worked at Riccardi Brothers and Sherwin-Williams for a combined 30 years of experience. Pati was highly sought after and widely recommended for her keen eye for design and color. She was the first interior decorator at Sherwin-Williams, responsible for both residential and commercial projects.

Pati is survived by her former husband, Ross Sofka; her children, Kim Bearison (and son-in-law Dr. Fred Bearison), Kari McGuiness, and Dr. Kristine Sofka-Iarussi, whom she adored most in this world.

Pati is survived by her grandchildren, Kyle McGuiness (Katrina), Cara Bearison, Dr. Craig Bearison (Andreé ), Korey McGuiness (Holly), Dr. Amy Bearison, Kayla McGuiness, Julian Iarussi, Jimmy Harley, and Lauren Iarussi. She is also survived by her three great-grandchildren, Riley, Evan, Scarlett, and a fourth on the way. She was beloved by her grandchildren, who knew her for her love, support, cooking, and bright personality. A simple phone call or card from her grandchildren would make her “day, week, month, and year” all at once.

Her continuous check-ins, words of encouragement, and positive outlook will be deeply missed, but we will look to carry them forward in our lives as we keep her memory alive in our hearts and minds.

​Service Information: A virtual remembrance to celebrate Pati’s life will be held for all who knew and loved her on Monday, April 27th, from 8 pm-9 pm. The invite link is https://kean-edu.zoom.us/j/93661076251.

In addition, a private family gathering will take place on Mother’s Day with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, one of mom’s beloved charities.
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