Regina Teresa Vaccaro

Regina passed away peacefully beside her family in her home on Thursday, July 17th, at the age of 34. Though her time with us was far too short, and she was taken too soon, her impact will last forever.

Regina was raised in Livingston where she brought joy and warmth wherever she went. Regina was young at heart, filled with wonder and playfulness that never faded, no matter her age. She had a silly spirit that made people laugh, whether through her funny voices, goofy faces, or telling jokes. Her happiness was infectious. Regina loved dressing up for the holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween. She would light up a room (literally) wearing accessories like glowing necklaces and festive hats, spreading cheer and laughter to everyone around her.

She expressed her colorful and vibrant personality in every detail of her life, from her beloved collection of Disney memorabilia and knickknacks to her ever-changing, expressive glasses. Regina had a deep love for going out to eat, always saving room for something sweet, and always enjoying every moment of it. Regina also had a love for owls, creatures she saw as symbols of wisdom, calm, and quiet strength just like her. She took great pride in being part of the Deaf community and embraced her identity with confidence. Inclusiveness was deeply important to Regina and in her honor, an ASL interpreter will be present at the service.

Regina left behind her loving parents, Armand and Stella Vaccaro; her cherished sister, Samantha Pontes and her husband Dillon; her grandmother, Harriett Vaccaro; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were blessed by her presence and love.

She was a treasured niece to Teresa Williams and her husband James; Suzanne Colavito and her fiancé Frank; Vincent Colavito and his wife Nancy; Regina McGuire and her husband Ron; Michael and Paul Vaccaro and Paul’s wife Deborah.

Cherished cousins Vincent Vaccaro, James and Anthony Williams and Anthony’s wife Natale, Michael and Alyssa Colavito, Johnny and Vincent McGuire.

Regina was a devoted daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and cousin, and will be deeply missed by her entire family and all who knew and loved her.

Though her struggles have ended, Regina’s light shines on, in all of us. She is now at peace, embraced by God and reunited with loved ones who have gone before her including her late grandfathers Peter Vaccaro and Gaetano Colavito, her late grandmother Marjorie Colavito and her uncle, Guy Colavito.

In keeping with Regina’s wishes, all who attend are asked to wear something purple, her favorite color, in celebration of her life. Please come and help us honor Regina and the joy she brought into this world.

Rest easy, Regina. You’ll forever be a part of us. We will carry your light, always.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Regina's name to Lake Drive School For The Deaf in Mountain Lakes, NJ in her memory or Sertoma Hearing Aid Project: https://p2p.onecause.com/nationalhearingaidproject

Donations may be made to the Lake Drive School (see below)

Mailing address:

96 Powerville Road, Suite 1,

Mountain Lakes, NJ 02046.

Please make the check payable to:

Mountain Lakes BOE

Memo: In Memory of Regina Vaccaro

A visitation and celebration of Regina's life will be held Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 145 East Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039.

The funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Raphael Roman Catholic Church, 246 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Livingston, NJ 07039.

Entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Ave., E. Hanover, NJ 07936.