Theresa Dazzo

Theresa (Terry) Dazzo, age 93, of Toms River, New Jersey passed away peacefully of natural causes at home surrounded by her loving family on April 23, 2023. She is predeceased by her husband, Jack, and is survived by her three daughters, Donna, Diane and husband Daniel, and Joanne and husband Neal, as well as two granddaughters, Danielle, and Caitlin and husband Gaetano, along with two great-grandchildren, Mila and Gaetano III. She also is survived by her sister Madeline of Toms River, New Jersey, and her brother, Peter and wife Patty, of Charleston, South Carolina, and six nieces and nephews.

She was born in 1929 in Brooklyn, New York and attended Regina Pacis Elementary School and St. Brendan’s High School. After graduating, she worked as a secretary for The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

In 1952, she married Jack Dazzo of Brooklyn and resided there for 5 years before moving to Staten Island. After living there for 15 years, they moved the family to New Jersey where they resided in Old Bridge, Freehold, and ultimately, Toms River, where they settled into the Lake Ridge Adult Community. They also enjoyed many summers at their vacation home in Highland Lakes, New Jersey with friends and family.

While residing at Lake Ridge, Theresa was an avid and skillful Mahjong player, and also enjoyed playing poker. She was a member of the Lake Ridge Women’s Club and Italian Club. In addition, she and her husband were very socially active in the clubhouse dances, outings, bingo, movie nights, the pool, and theatre performances.

Theresa worked for the New York City Board of Education as a School Aide in the attendance office at New Dorp High School on Staten Island for 25 years. Theresa received many accolades for her proficiency and dedication. Not one to sit still after retiring from there, she also worked part time for 10 years at the Ocean County Board of Health as an Administrative Assistant. She finally retired at the age of 80. Throughout her career and everyday life, Theresa was complimented for her fashion sense, as she had a shoe and handbag to match every outfit.

Above all else, Theresa was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She adored her family, especially her great grandchildren, who lit up her world with their visits. She will be greatly missed by so many lives she has touched. Her strong will, admirable determination, and love for her family helped sustain her until the end.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 26 from 4:00pm-8:00pm at D’Elia Funeral Home, Lakewood. A funeral mass will be offered 10:30am on Thursday, April 27 at St. Mary of the Lake RC Church, Lakewood. Entombment will follow at the Mary Queen of Peace Mausoleum at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery and Mausoleum, Lakewood.