Obituary of John Terracciano

Name: Madison Memorial Home
Address: 159 Main Street, Madison, New Jersey, 07940, United States
Telephone: (973) 377-2735

John Terracciano passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 24, 2022 at the age of 95. He was born in Madison and was a lifelong resident of Florham Park.

John is survived by his beloved children, Maria Ricciardi (Michael) of Cedar Knolls, Phyllis La Penta (Vincent Celii) of Chatham, and John Terracciano (Kim) of Madison; his cherished grandchildren, Marisa Daly (Kevin), Michelle Cayer (Jeremy), Michael Ricciardi, Paul La Penta, Elise Nest (Kevin), Stephanie Dubina (Andrew), Katherine Terracciano (Lucas Waye), and Amy Terracciano (William Ruane) and his treasured great-grandchildren, Aiden and Brendan Daly, Elizabeth, Violet and Thomas Cayer, Michael and Gionni Ricciardi, Etta Nest, and Leo Dubina. He is also survived by five of his sisters, Mary Prudente, Virginia Piano, Caroline Pezzino, Agnes Yuliano and Frances Caruso; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Terracciano; and three of his sisters, Filomena Prudente, Catherine Pendolino, and Antoinette Brown.

John was born in Madison on June 15, 1927 to the late John and Filomena Terracciano. He was raised with his eight sisters in Florham Park. He served his country honorably enlisting in the Merchant Marines, spending time in the Pacific and the Philippines and was later drafted into the Army. Following his honorable discharge John returned to Florham Park. He met his wife, the late Elizabeth “Betty” Terracciano in Madison and the couple later married on June 12,1954. They built their home in Florham Park next to the house where John grew up, where they raised their family and where he remained for the rest of his life. He started his landscaping company, John Terracciano Landscaping and he loyally served many local clients well into his eighties. Everyone knew the familiar red truck.

John enjoyed playing golf, even hitting a very memorable hole in one at Pinch Brook Golf Course in Florham Park. He was a founding member of the North Star Club in Madison and helped with its construction. He was one of the original members of their baseball team. He was the oldest living member and enjoyed many years in the company of his friends, always looking forward to the annual clam bake. He loved to plant his big garden every year, sharing his vegetables with family and friends. He was a tireless hard worker and took pride in maintaining his home. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone needing help with a project. He loved to drive into Madison and spend time at his favorite places, CJ's Deli and Waverly TV where you could always find his truck parked outside.

Above all John loved spending time with his family and friends, sharing a meal and a drink. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always looked forward to attending all the occasions in his large extended family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation held from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services will begin at 9:00 AM on Friday, December 2, 2022 at the funeral home followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial held at Holy Family Church, 1 Lloyd Avenue, Florham Park.

Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

The family sincerely thanks Katia for her loving and attentive care. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in John’s memory may be made to the local Department of Veterans Affairs.