Cynthia A. Drefko passed away on July 28, 2026. She was 55. Visiting will be on Sunday August 2, 2026 from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Armitage Wiggins Funeral Home. Mass will be on Monday at 11:00 a.m. in St. Stephens Church and burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Cindy was the beloved daughter of Arthur and the late Mary Bartiromo. She was the loving wife of Bill Drefko and cherished mother of Greg (girlfriend Emmalee) and Joe (girlfriend Isabella). She also leaves behind her dear brother Greg Bartiromo (Melanie).
Cindy lived a life defined by love, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Whether she was teaching a child to read, encouraging a future educator, volunteering in her parish, or cheering from the sidelines at her children’s sporting events, she gave her whole heart to everything she did. She believed that every person deserved to be seen, encouraged, and loved, and she made it her life’s mission to help others become the very best version of themselves.
As a beloved clinical faculty member and Student Teacher Placement Administrator at Montclair State University, Cindy found great joy in preparing future teachers for the classroom. She inspired them not only with her knowledge and experience, but with her kindness, patience, and belief that great teachers have the power to change lives. She was also a proud member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, Hillside Chapter, where she found friendship and purpose alongside fellow educators who shared her passion for teaching.
Her heart belonged to children. For eight years, Cindy taught Reading Recovery, patiently working one-on-one with struggling first-grade students. She celebrated every new word they learned, every page they read, and every smile that came with newfound confidence. To Cindy, teaching a child to read was about far more than books—it was about opening doors, building self-esteem, and giving each child the confidence to believe in themselves. She encouraged her students to respect themselves, to be kind to one another, and to always know that they were capable of achieving great things.
Cindy never stopped learning herself. She embraced new ideas with enthusiasm, willingly tested innovative curriculum, shared her knowledge through professional development workshops, and generously mentored fellow teachers. She understood that by helping one educator grow, she could positively impact countless children for years to come. Her extraordinary dedication earned her the distinction of Master Teacher and the honor of being named Teacher of the Year twice. Yet those who knew her best would tell you that her proudest accomplishments could never be measured by awards. They were found in the countless lives she touched, the confidence she inspired, and the difference she made every single day.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. As a devoted parishioner of Saint Stephen’s Church, Cindy served as a Eucharistic Minister, helped prepare engaged couples for marriage as a Pre-Cana team member, and lovingly shared her faith with children as a CCD teacher. She believed that serving others was one of life’s greatest blessings and quietly lived that belief every day.
Nothing brought Cindy more joy than her family. She was a devoted wife, and a loving mother, daughter, and sister. If Cindy loved you- she loved you fiercely. She was deeply involved in her children’s schools through the PTAs at Schuyler, Lincoln, and Kearny High School. She proudly served as president of the Kearny High School baseball booster club and enthusiastically supported the ice hockey booster club, always showing up with encouragement, a warm smile, and a willingness to help in whatever way was needed.
Cindy’s legacy is not simply found in the titles she held or the awards she received. It lives on in every child who found confidence because she believed in them, every teacher who became better because of her guidance, every friend who was blessed by her kindness, and every family member who knew the depth of her unconditional love. She showed us that a life well lived is measured not by what we accomplish for ourselves, but by the love we give, the lives we lift, and the difference we make in the hearts of others.
Though she will be deeply missed, Cindy’s spirit lives on in the countless people she inspired. Her gentle heart, generous soul, and enduring love will continue to guide those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy is one of faith, service, compassion, and love—a legacy that will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers kindly consider a donation to St. Stephens Church in her memory.
