Theresa “Terry” Rigoglioso

Theresa “Terry” Ann Rigoglioso, age 56, of Wayne, passed Saturday, August 21, 2021.

Terry was born in Passaic to Robert and Theresa Devecka of Clifton.  She was raised in Clifton and attended St Andrews School through 8th grade and graduated from Clifton High School with honors in the Class of 1983.  She continued her education at Seton Hall University in South Orange where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and her Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

Terry worked as an emergency room receptionist at Passaic General Hospital throughout her high school and college years.   After graduating Seton Hall, she worked as a social worker at St Michaels Medical Center in Newark and later for the Garfield Board of Education, and the Caldwell Board of Education.

It was at St. Michael’s, where Terry met the love of her life, Vincent Rigoglioso.  Their first date was to a NY Yankee game and to see the New York City Fireworks that were held just after the game.  They fell in love and after a three year courtship, Vincent proposed at the Cavalier Cafe in Clifton.  They were married on March 17, 1991 at St. Andrews RC Church in Clifton and have had thirty years of a loving and devoted marriage.

Terry was dedicated to her Catholic faith and a devoted parishioner of Saint Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes.  She has always volunteered throughout her life helping others in various capacities and had found her niche using her professional skills for those in need at the St Marys Church’s “Pathways Counseling Center” in Pompton Lakes.

Terry was an adoring mother, devoted wife, a loving daughter, sister and friend.  She was so full of life and love, genuine, kind and always willing to help anyone almost to a fault.  She was a compassionate soul, with a strong moral compass. Terry’s sense of integrity and fairness set the standard for all.  She was smart, and an organized procrastinator. She earned straight A’s in high school and college. Often, after staying up all night, and needing a few minutes of sleep, she would ask her sister to wake her up in ten minutes and then proceed to hide. She would always get a few extra minutes because her sister would have to find her usually behind a couch or locked in the bathroom. Terry had a great sense of humor, was not afraid to laugh at herself, and when challenged she was always able to come back with a quick witty reply. Many friends benefited from Terry’s passion for walking. Terry looked forward to her walks through her neighborhood with the friends and walking partners she had made.  Terry had a sweet tooth that required a daily chocolate fix, and her family looked forward to her special breakfasts of homemade waffles.  Much of her family will recall her self-appointed nickname of “Auntie B” where she said the “B” stood for beautiful so they would always be reminded. She was actively involved with all of her children’s school organizations and booster clubs and was their number one fan.

Terry was the loving wife of Vincent Rigoglioso; devoted mother of Vincent Paul Rigoglioso, Domenic Rigoglioso, and Vanessa Rigoglioso; cherished daughter of Robert and Theresa Devecka of Clifton; loved sister of Maryrose Hosier (Norman) of Newton, Robert Devecka, Jr. (Nancy) of Toms River, Anthony Devecka (Betty) of Toms River, Roberta Cardaci (John) of Holmdel and John Devecka (Cherilyn) of Ladera Ranch, CA; she was the dear daughter-in-law of Marie Rigoglioso of Garfield and the late Charles Rigoglioso (d. 2016); she was dearly loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-laws, and many friends.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Pathways Counseling Center of St Marys Church, 16 Pompton Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 would be greatly appreciated. Please include "Memorial Donation for Terry Rigoglioso" in your check memo. You can donate online by clicking here: Pathways Counseling Center.