Regina Marie Coscarelli

Regina Coscarelli of Long Boat Key, Florida passed away on March 10, 2021. Born in Staten Island, New York to the late William and Angelina Telistky, she was the older sister to Angelina [Boden] who resides in Virginia. Regina graduated in 1945 with her high school diploma from Battin High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She completed her college education at New York University. While attending high school she was a cheerleader for Battin High. Regina also enjoyed studying the performing arts, with an emphasis on ballet. Regina would travel from Elizabeth, New Jersey, where she lived, to Manhattan, New York to study in some of the top schools of ballet. She performed with the New York Ballet Company for a short while before an injury ended her dance career.

Regina is survived by her three children, Richard (Mary Ann) Coscarelli, William Coscarelli, and Christine (Thomas) Capshew, 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was cooking wonderful meals for her family and hosting fun and fabulous holiday celebrations for immediate and extended family and friends.

Following her marriage to Waldimero [Wally] Coscarelli in August of 1948, Regina began teaching. She was an English teacher at Blessed Sacrament School and St. Genevieve School, where she was an active parishioner. After she retired from teaching, Regina pursued her passion of gardening and became involved with the Garden Club of New Jersey, where she held many service positions and achieved accreditation to be a judge for Garden Show competitions. In addition to her service, she also competed regularly in shows and often won the blue-ribbon in various classes, known for her original designs, unique selection of materials and eye for integrating natural components into her designs. Regina continued to be active with the Garden Club following her move to North Carolina, where she also held many volunteer positions. Regina’s love of plants extended from the Garden Club to being a Master Gardener, where she also volunteered in assorted capacities. Regina received many various awards during her time in the Garden Club and as a Master Gardener. Her love of plants was evident in the beautiful garden she and her husband, Wally, created. Regina also spent many hours on the tennis courts and competed for the Ladies Club Championship at Elizabeth Town and Country Club.

After moving to Basking Ridge, New Jersey, in addition to volunteering with the Garden Club, Regina became active in St. James Church as a Lectern. She and her husband also enjoyed being in a wine tasting group.

After moving from Basking Ridge, New Jersey, she and her husband spent their retirement years between homes in Longboat Key, Florida and Wilmington, North Carolina. Regina was an avid reader and enjoyed challenging her brain by doing crossword puzzles in pen. Regina also enjoyed being a member of a fine cooking group where she refined her cooking skills and showered people with delicious dishes. She and Wally enjoyed the Metropolitan Opera on the radio on Saturday afternoons.