STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Elaine Marsha Eugenio, who owned The Card Shop in West Brighton for decades and became a beloved figure in the Staten Island community, died peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 7, after a long illness. She was 83.
Her partner of more than 20 years, Howard “Howie” Fisk, remembered first meeting her when he managed the Key Food across the street from her store.
Elaine Eugenio passed away this month. She was 83.(Courtesy of Howie Fisk)
“I met Elaine when I was managing Key Food and she owned the card shop across the way,” he said. “We started talking. We started taking walks. Eventually she told me she loved me—and that’s a strong word. But then we became partners.
“I treated her like gold. People used to say that, and it’s because I loved her. Now I’m going to miss her terribly. She had a rough life… she lost her husband and she lost her children. She will be missed by many.”
Elaine’s partner of 20 years Howie Fisk first met her while managing the Key Food opposite her store.
(Courtesy of Howie Fisk)
Shamin Frammosa, formerly of S&T Bagels next door to The Card Shop, also shared her memories.
“Elaine was an amazing woman—very thoughtful, always concerned about others, and always willing to help,” Frammosa said. “She really was an amazing and strong woman.”
For generations, Eugenio’s stationery and toy store served as a true neighborhood gathering place. She sold the business in 2001, stayed on as manager until a few years ago, and the shop continued under new ownership until last year. The space that once housed both the bagel shop and the 40‑plus‑year‑old Card Shop became a cannabis dispensary last year, but Elaine’s legacy as the heart of the West Brighton commercial district endures. She was known for her kindness, humor, and the steadfast dedication she showed to her customers.
Born July 18, 1942, on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Elaine was the daughter of Nathan and Libby Lifschitz. After graduating from Seward Park High School, she married Staten Island native Rocco Eugenio. She worked as a bank teller while raising their children, Rhonda and Matthew, both of whom predeceased her, along with her husband.
Back in the day, the late Elaine Eugenio owner of The Card and Gift Shop sells a Lotto Ticket to North Shore resident Jerry Agro.(Advance/SILive.com | Michael McWeeney)
The loss of her daughter Rhonda Ann Eugenio, who died at age 39, remained one of the most profound chapters of her life. A lifelong Staten Islander from West Brighton, Rhonda had lived in the former Willowbrook State School, and later in Cerebral Palsy Association group homes in Oakwood and Graniteville.
At the time of Rhonda’s passing in 2004, Elaine shared with the Staten Island Advance:
“Her late grandparents, Antonio and Antoinette Eugenio, and Nathan and Libby Lifschitz, as well as her late uncle, Anthony Eugenio, spent lots of time with her and used to take her for walks. Her father, Rocco Eugenio, also loved her very much. He died in 2003 and now she can be with him again. Her bright smile and happy face will be missed forever.”
Elaine Eugenio is shown here outside of her card store in West Brighton, once located next to the former S&T Bagels.(Courtesy of Howie Fisk)
Elaine is survived by her partner, Howard Fisk; her sisters, Irene Goldstoff of Morristown, New Jersey, and Helen Penzel of Port St. Lucie, Florida; and several nieces, nephews and a grand-nephew. She will also be remembered for her generosity, her sharp sense of humor and her legendary stuffed shells, a staple at family gatherings.
A remembrance service will be held Sunday, Jan. 11, at 11:30 a.m. at Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave. A celebration of life is planned for later this year. Additional details and a guestbook are available at mykeeper.com/ElaineEugenio.
Donations in her honor may be made to the American Cerebral Palsy Association, the American Heart Association or a charity of one’s choice. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at NewYork‑Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center for their compassionate care.