Spring Pittore (nee Lovenduski), 67, died on Nov. 4, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was an avid reader of fantasy, mystery, and other fiction; a maker of elaborate costumes for the Lambertville Halloween Parade; an incomparable baker of legendary Thanksgiving pies; heroic K9 search and rescue handler; and the most enthusiastic Nonna always up for a road trip or other adventure. She will be missed beyond measure by all who knew her.
She was born on June 8, 1956 in Mt. Holly, N.J. She graduated from Mercer Medical Center School of Nursing and Trenton State College, earning her BSRN. Spring worked as a lactation consultant for Hunterdon Medical Center and staff nurse on the Medical Unit of Hunterdon Medical Center before becoming the school nurse at West Amwell Elementary School. Prior to her career at West Amwell, she was a substitute school nurse at Lambertville Public School and South Hunterdon Regional High School. She also served as school nurse for Stockton Borough Elementary School.
Spring was a Canine Search Specialist with New Jersey Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue (1998-2023). She was a first responder for the World Trade Center 9/11 attack with her K9 partner, Nutmeg. She was K9 Unit Leader for the Lambertville-New Hope Ambulance and Rescue Squad and president of the Palisades Search and Rescue Dog Association. She also volunteered with the Penn Vet Working Dog Center of Philadelphia. She was a former member of Pennsylvania Task Force One (1996-1998). Spring served as secretary for Emergency Response Canines, Inc., a volunteer organization helping K9 handlers purchase working dogs. She was a member of the Search and Rescue Council of New Jersey and former member of the West Amwell Township Board of Health.
Spring was active in community organizations, serving as Cub Scout Den Leader and Assistant Cub Master for Pack 32. She supported Boy Scouts Troop 49 when her sons were members, and participated with High School Band parents and PTO.
Her professional certifications included: New Jersey School Nurse; American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid Instructor; Emergency Medical Technician; FEMA Canine Search Specialist; National Association of Search and Rescue SAR Tech II; International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant; AIR School-Based Therapy Dog Handler with K9 Pinto.
Spring was predeceased by her parents: Robert Ernest Lovenduski and Marlyn Straussfogel Lovenduski, her in-laws Phillip and Bertha Pittore, and her dear friend Debbie Hartpence.
She is survived by her devoted husband Pasquale (Pat) Pittore, her sons: Daniel, his wife Sara, and granddaughter Zita Fay; Matthew, his wife Danielle, and granddaughter Brianna Spring; her siblings: Eileen Kovalsky, Bobby (Helen) Lovenduski, Jeffrey Lovenduski, and Nancy (Greg) Foster; her in-laws: Phillip Jr. (Martha) Pittore, Ronald Pittore, and Michelle (Peter) Romeo; and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and close friend Patricia Kaynaroglu.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 10, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Garefino Funeral Home, 12 N. Franklin St., Lambertville, N.J. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Lambertville. Calling hours will be Thursday, Nov. 9, from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lambertville-New Hope Rescue Squad, PO Box 237, Lambertville, NJ 08530, the Emergency Response Canines, 38 Douglas St., Lambertville, NJ 08530, or the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, 3401 Grays Ferry Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19146.
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