Passionate educator, loving wife, and philanthropist
Elizabeth's late husband, Bill Rifino, a graduate of the Class of 1953.
By the time she was in high school, Elizabeth Rifino had moved around the country quite a bit. She was born in Baltimore and, thanks to her father's job, lived in Cleveland, Buffalo, and New Jersey before she was ready to enroll in college.
While living in New Jersey and preparing for college, her brother invited a friend to their house, catching her attention. Elizabeth and Bill, the man she would marry, met on that day. From there, a beautiful relationship was formed. Bill graduated from Seton Hall in 1953, where he was a member of the ROTC. Elizabeth graduated from St. Elizabeth's College. ROTC members were allowed to choose which branch of the military they would like to serve in upon graduation. Bill chose the Marines and applied to their prestigious flight school. Bill had a passion for aviation and his country. Once he finished flight school, Elizabeth and Bill wed.
Bill's service took Elizabeth and him to North Carolina and then to Japan. The cultural experience was nothing short of spectacular. Elizabeth was pregnant while in Japan and gave birth to their daughter at the naval hospital. To Elizabeth's surprise, she was sent home with the other dependents when the Suez Canal was abruptly closed, putting the Marines on alert. She returned to the States to raise their daughter. When her daughter was three months old, Elizabeth received devastating news via telegram. Bill had perished in an in-flight-related accident while flying from Japan to Korea.
Elizabeth was strong and courageous in the face of adversity. She immediately forged
a strong bond with her in-laws and raised her daughter while working full-time as
an educator. She is incredibly passionate about her work at Plainfield High School
and pursued a Master of Arts in Asian Studies at Seton Hall.
While time passed, Elizabeth considered what to do with her estate plans. She wanted
to honor her late husband's memory, and she thought, what better way to do so than
by making a planned gift to Seton Hall? In her will, Elizabeth has made sure that
Seton Hall receives the proceeds from the sale of her engagement ring. This piece
of property holds impactful financial and sentimental value. It is a symbol of true
love for two Seton Hall alumni.
By intending to make this gift to Seton Hall, Elizabeth will forever memorialize the love she and Bill had for each other at a place that played a special role in their story.
At a Glance: Bequests
- Charitable bequests are made by naming Seton Hall as a beneficiary in your will or living trust. This type of gift does not affect your cash flow.
- Your assets remain in your control during your lifetime. You can modify your gift at any time should circumstances change.
- You can direct your gift to the area of Seton Hall's mission that is most meaningful to you.
- We can provide you with model bequest language and will work with you on the details.