Long-time employee retires from Department of Education

When Dot Zilavetz joined the diocese in 1982, memos were still written on typewriters and cutting and pasting required real scissors and glue, not just a click of the mouse.

But while technology has come a long way and the diocese has seen much growth in the last two decades, the recently-retired administrative assistant in the Department of Education is happy to report that what’s really important has remained the same.

"Everyone has always been just like family to me," she said. "Whether we were working on mailings or trying to meet a tight deadline, we all worked hand in hand. No one considered themselves more important than anyone else, and that hasn’t changed."

Zilavetz, who is a member of Holy Spirit Parish, Perth Amboy, began her tenure with the diocese in the secretarial pool working for Msgr. John B. Szymanski, who is now vicar general for development and planning. At the time, she recalled, there were only four or five secretaries serving as support staff for the entire diocesan administration.

She was quickly promoted to floor manager and again to administrative assistant of the Department of Education in 1985. Over time, typewriters evolved into word processors and, finally, computers. Zilavetz became accustomed to the many software updates and technological changes that come along with a modern office.

"As soon as you got to know one program, it was changed or upgraded," she said. "We definitely learned how to adapt."

She noted the significant contributions made by Xavierian Brother James Malone and St. Joseph Sister Ann Fitzpatrick, the diocese’s first superintendent and assistant superintendent, respectively. "They started the whole [Office of Schools] from scratch," she explained. "They were instrumental in getting things off the ground in those early days."

Zilavetz also worked for four monsignors in her time with the diocese – Msgr. Szymanski, Msgr. George M. Brembos, Msgr. Michael J. Alliegro and Msgr. Michael J. Corona – and enjoyed each of the experiences.

"I was blessed," she said. "My bosses were all very nice and it was wonderful getting to know them."

Zilavetz worked for Msgr. Brembos, pastor of St. Brigid Parish, Peapack, and St. Elizabeth Parish, Far Hills, for 16 of her 21 years. He was among many past and present members of the Department of Education who recently sent her off with a special farewell reception.

Zilavetz said her favorite aspect of serving in educational ministry was the chance to interact with families that were applying for tuition assistance through the Foundation for Catholic Education.

"Msgr. Brembos and I got to hear some of their stories, about how badly parents wanted to send their children to Catholic schools," she said. "And to be able to help them was so rewarding. I felt like we were really doing our part."

Since her retirement, Zilavetz has not exactly been slowing down. A lifelong resident of Hopelawn, she is preparing to move before the end of the year to Forked River, and has been spending much of her time packing and readying the house. She said she is looking forward to living in closer proximity to her two daughters and son, as well as her eight grandchildren, who range in age from five to 18.

Zilavetz admitted, however, that she already misses her many "dear friends" from the diocese.

"I felt good working for the Church," she said. "It was an honor. I was always very proud to say that I worked for the Diocese of Metuchen."