Elizabeth Vollmoeller DeCarlo

Elizabeth Vollmoeller DeCarlo, known as “Betty,” died Feb. 9 in Riverhead, where she had lived since age 5.

Born in Lindenhurst, N.Y., in 1927, Betty graduated from Riverhead High School in 1945 and went to work at the RCA Communications Receiving Station in Riverhead. At the close of World War II, she had to give up that work when servicemen returned to reclaim their jobs. She then went to work at the New York Telephone Company, where she remained until her retirement in 1970. Betty was a lifelong member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, one of the largest volunteer organizations of its kind in the world.

She was an active member of First Congregational Church of Riverhead, where she was a trustee for several years, and was among the founders of the Bread and More INN soup kitchen, which continues to serve the less fortunate in Riverhead’s community.

Betty enjoyed and participated in a wide variety of sports, including roller skating, figure skating, softball and bowling, and was the Eastern Suffolk women’s bowling champion in 1965.

Friends said she was an avid animal lover, caring for her own pets and those of family and friends and putting out food for wildlife.

Ms. DeCarlo is survived by her lifelong friend and companion, Theresa Brzozowski, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are in the care of McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A memorial service will take place Saturday, March 5, at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Riverhead. Memorial donations may be made to the church or to an animal charity of the donor’s choice.