Jacqueline "Jackie" Torcicollo

Jackie Torcicollo (née Rennick) of Sarasota, FL, also affectionately referred to as “Jack,” passed away on September 18, 2024, at 92 years old, after a brief illness. Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ed, Jackie leaves behind her daughter, Lisa, her son, Peter and his wife Paula, her grandson Ryan (wife Jess), granddaughter Jamie Villa (husband Nick), and great grandchildren Willow and Gray Torcicollo. Jackie was the embodiment of “living life to the fullest.” Born on December 7, 1931, in Linden, NJ, she was a graduate of New Jersey’s Panzer College (later merged with Montclair State University), where she met the love of her life, Ed. She taught physical education and health at Rahway High School in New Jersey for most of her working career. While teaching, she also coached the high school girls’ varsity basketball and cheerleading teams and choreographed the dance routines for countless high school musicals. Her production of the musical “Funny Girl” won first place in a statewide competition and was chosen to perform at what is now the PNC Bank Arts Center. A patron and supporter of all things performative, she instilled in her family and loved ones the importance of the arts in their lives. Later in her career, she went back to Montclair State to obtain a Masters in Social Work and counseling and went on to become the substance abuse counselor at Rahway High School. Throughout her life, both personally and professionally, she constantly encouraged those around her to do better and inspired everyone with whom she came into contact to maximize their potential. She and Ed retired to Sarasota in 1992 where they became members of Church of the Palms. They were avid golfers and spent many years playing and socializing at the Gulf Gate Golf Club. Jackie loved to travel, and she and Ed went on nearly 30 cruises in their retirement years (usually with Ed as a reluctant but faithful participant). A New York Football Giants season ticket holder since the early 1960s, she attended every home game until her retirement, but remained a die-hard New York sports fan to the end, watching Giants and Yankees games with Ed and her other family members. She loved to participate in water aerobics sessions at her condo on Siesta Key, where many fellow residents would join the fun. More than anything, she loved to be with her family, including her children’s and grandchildren’s significant others, and everyone’s pets. Nothing made her smile more than when the entire family was together and such times would bring endless laughs and happiness. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the American Heart Association. Arrangements will be private.

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Jacqueline "Jackie" Torcicollo

December 7, 1931 - September 18, 2024