Obituary of Elizabeth "Betty" Terracciano

Elizabeth “Betty” Terracciano, age 89, longtime Florham Park resident, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 30, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.

Betty was born in Jersey City on July 31, 1929 to the late Paul and Palma Siciliano. She lived in Jersey City for part of her childhood, prior to the family settling in Madison.

Betty was a 1947 graduate of Madison High School. After graduation, she was offered a position as a secretary with Mepco, Inc. of Morristown. She often recalled many fond memories and the friendships she made during her time there. She met her husband, John Terracciano, in Madison. They settled in Florham Park where they raised their family and made a home for 65 years.

While she was raising her children, Betty accepted a position with the Florham Park Board of Education as the Secretary to the Child Study Team. She enjoyed many years in that position prior to her retirement to spend time with her grandchildren.

Betty cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she adored. She loved sewing and crocheting. Betty also loved to garden and cook and was an excellent baker. Everyone looked forward to her Pignoli cookies on holidays and at every family party.  She cherished many friendships that lasted a lifetime, especially with her "Club" classmates from Madison High School.

Betty was a devoted wife, mother & grandmother and dedicated her life to her family. Her warmth, loving nature and quiet strength will always be remembered and deeply missed by all that loved and knew her.

Betty is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, John Terracciano of Florham Park; two loving daughters, Maria Ricciardi and her husband, Michael, of Cedar Knolls & Phyllis LaPenta of Chatham, and her companion, Vincent Celii; one loving son, John Terracciano and his wife, Kim, of Madison; one brother, Peter Siciliano of Madison; eight grandchildren, Marisa Daly (Kevin), Michelle Cayer (Jeremy), Michael Ricciardi (Jaclyn), Paul LaPenta, Elise Nest (Kevin), Stephanie Terracciano (fiancé Andrew Dubina), Katherine Terracciano (Lucas Waye) & Amy Terracciano; six great-grandchildren, Aiden and Brendan Daly; Elizabeth, Violet and Thomas Cayer, and Michael Ricciardi and many nieces, nephews & dear friends.

Funeral services will begin at 9:00AM on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at the Madison Memorial Home, Madison, followed by a 10:00AM Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated at Holy Family RC Church, Florham Park. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to celebrate Betty’s life on Friday, July 5, from 5:00PM to 9:00PM at the funeral home.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Carmelite Nuns, 189 Madison Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960.

For further information or for condolences to the family, please visit our website at www.madisonmemorialhome.com