Victor "Vic" Paul Ticola

Victor “Vic” Paul Ticola, 77, of Sarasota, Florida passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 10th, 2022. He was born on March 22nd, 1945, in Bronx, New York. Son of Peter and Julia Ticola. He is survived by his four biological children: Peter (Andraya), Matt (Daphne), Mark (Wendy), Maggy (Adam) Bibi and stepson, Steven Longo as well as his grandchildren, Aidan, Evan, Joel, Benjamin, Owen, Avery, William, Olivia, Lucas, and Kaia. We must also include his rescue dog Wesley who was his loyal companion for the last eight years. He was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Julia, siblings Elaine Reich, Peter Jr., first wife of over forty years and mother of his four biological children, Margaret and second wife, Ellie.

Originally from the Bronx, NY, Vic lived in Fort Lee, NJ, graduated from Ft Lee High School and Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman University). While working as a shop teacher at Ritenour High School in Saint Louis, MO he met Margaret Mary Kerr, and they were married on June 20th, 1970. Vic and Marge went on to have four children.

In 2014, his wife Marge, died of cancer and he was heartbroken. In 2016 Vic found another love who was affiliated at Incarnation church, Ellie Longo. They married on February 24th, 2017, and she brought his stepson Steven into his life. Their time was short as Ellie too passed away from cancer in 2020.

Shortly after his marriage to Marge, The Ticolas moved to Sarasota, Florida where he found his permanent home. Vic taught at Sarasota Vocational Tech, Sarasota High School, Manatee Community College, and private adult education schools. As a lifelong educator he always believed that the keys to success in life was a quality education! It’s no surprise that he married not one, but two teachers as well! And he was extremely proud of his children’s academic accomplishments and successful careers. It was common to hear him say “three of my kids are doctors and one is an engineer.”

Vic's hobbies included collecting coins, tinkering around the house, golf, fishing, grilling for the family, Caribbean stud poker and pinochle. He collected every tool imaginable and always had a red handkerchief with him. And although diabetic, he sure did have a sweet tooth. Often, he would show up to his office with donuts or cookies. He was always looking for that perfect bowl of clam chowder. He was a licensed Florida Contractor for almost 40 years. He was a member of Incarnation Catholic Church for forty-seven years and served as head usher for over thirty years. As an advocate for education, he also served as a director of the Father Connie Dougherty Scholarship Fund.

When Vic wasn't teaching or working, he believed strongly in his family ties. It was quite common that he would take his family to see distant relatives in St. Louis and New Jersey/New York. While traveling with them, he would try to incorporate other side trips such as visiting Washington, DC, and Niagara Falls. When he was traveling across the country, he would stop to see friends and family when he could.

In 2004, Vic started his own business Builder’s Estimating & Exam School. This was his second business; his first was Estimating Services, Inc. Never one to slow down, this school was truly his retirement. He loved teaching, giving the students trick questions, and the joy of their successes in what they learned.

Finally retiring in July 2021, Vic sold his business to his son Peter who now continues his legacy of teaching. We remember all the contributions to this community that Vic has made and all the students he has taught. We remember that he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family dearly. I'm sure that Vic is smiling down on all of those he has helped along the way and the cherished family that he left behind.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 24th at 10:00am at Incarnation Catholic Church, 2911 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, Florida 34239 followed by a reception at the Finnegan Center. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Incarnation Catholic Church https://incarnationchurch.org/donate-online/ or the Father Connie Scholarship – email: [email protected]

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the Ticola family.