Theresa Katherine Sirica (née Tubello) passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, just one week shy of her 92nd birthday.

Terry was the beloved wife of Frank Sirica Sr., who predeceased her five years ago, and a devoted mother to Frankie who passed in 1984. She was a loving mother to Jimmy and his wife Christine, a wonderful grandmother to Kelsey (Bruce) and Rachel, and a beyond-excited great-grandmother to Benjamin Xavier.

Born and raised in Newark, Terry grew up in a lively Italian household. She loved to tell the story of discovering she wasn’t only Italian—a fact that completely puzzled her, as her entire life revolved around Italian culture and St. Lucy’s church. The youngest of two children, she shared a close bond with her sister Rose, who was ten years her senior. Terry delighted in reminiscing about her Newark days, when people wore gloves to go shopping, watching two movies for a nickel and the fact that she owned a pony.

Theresa met the love of her life, Frank, while visiting her aunt’s hotel in Coney Island. They married in 1953 and, after the birth of their two sons, moved from Newark to West Orange, where she spent more than 50 happy years building a home and a life filled with love.

A true force to be reckoned with, Terry worked for an answering service, managing a board of over 200 lines—no small feat. Remarkably, in her late 60s, she went on to open her own answering service company, proving that determination and grit never have an expiration date.

Family and friendship were at the center of Terry and Frank’s lives. Their home was always open—anyone who stopped by was welcomed and often stayed for dinner. They loved to travel, especially their unforgettable cross-country road trip from New Jersey to California, where Frank had been stationed with the Air Force. They also made many cherished trips to visit dear friends in North Carolina, enjoying the journey as much as the destination.

The greatest joys of Theresa’s life came with the birth of her granddaughters. When Kelsey, her first granddaughter, was born, her world changed forever. Rachel, born seven years later, only added to that joy. They were truly the apples of her eye, and everything in her life centered around them. They always knew just how deeply they were loved.

After Frank’s passing in 2021, Terry came to live with Jimmy, Chris, and the girls. While the transition had its challenges, together they made it work with patience, love, and humor. Meeting her great-grandson Benjamin in July was a gift that truly kept Terry going—she was absolutely thrilled and so proud to be a great-grandmother.

The Sirica family is profoundly grateful for the incredible community of friends and family who surrounded Terry with love during this time—through long phone calls, visits, overnight stays, and generous help that allowed Jim and Chris to take much-needed breaks. Mom was always cared for, and words cannot express the depth of gratitude felt.

In addition to her immediate family, Terry leaves behind her dear niece Maryrose (Pat), great-niece Rosemary (Brian); great-great-nieces Maranda and Avery; The Schworn family and so many relatives and dear friends that are far too many to mention.

We will miss Mom dearly. In her memory, please consider performing an act of kindness, just as she did so naturally throughout her life. 

Visiting hours are on Monday, February 9, 2026 at Keri-Lozito Funeral Home, 125 Main Street, Lincoln Park, NJ from 4-8 PM.  Funeral Mass at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, 216 Comly Road, Lincoln Park, NJ on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10 AM.  Interment, Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ.