In Memoriam: Red Bank Resident, Regina Sturnialo, 66

Red Bank resident Regina A. Sturnialo passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 21. She was 66.

“Regina lived her life with warmth, loyalty, and a deep appreciation for the people and passions that mattered most to her. She also found happiness in life’s quieter pleasures, having a fond appreciation for flowers and dogs and finding comfort and beauty in their presence from afar.

“Music was one of Regina’s greatest joys. She was passionate about live music and especially loved seeing Squeeze, Train, and Jesse Malin, amongst many other favorite artists and bands. Through concerts and shows, Regina formed deep, enduring friendships that became a chosen family. These friends meant the world to her and provided a profound sense of belonging — like being a member of a punk rock church, built on music, loyalty, and shared experience.

“Regina will be remembered for the countless lives she touched as a teacher, friend, and family member. Her legacy lives on in her students, her family, and the community she built wherever she went.”
Loved ones of Regina Sturnialo in her obituary

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Regina was the beloved daughter of the late Anthony and Marylou Yacovacci.

Raised in Staten Island, she was a graduate of Tottenville High School, then continued her education at the College of Staten Island, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Economics and furthered her studies with her master’s degree in Education.

She devoted her professional life to teaching and was a cherished elementary school teacher at P.S. 36 in Staten Island for many years.

In 1988, Regina married her devoted husband, Joseph Sturnialo, with whom she shared a loving and enduring marriage. She is survived by him.

She is also survived by: her brother, Stephen Yacovacci, and his wife, Sarah; her sister, Donna Cardone; her beloved nephews, Robert Cardone and his wife, Stephanie, Brandon Yacovacci, and her niece, Emily Yacovacci; and great-niece, Arabella Cardone, daughter of Robert and Stephanie; her devoted mother-in-law, Gloria Sturnialo-Mandeli; her sister-in-law, Gloria Sturnialo; and her cherished extended family, including Joseph Golden and Christa Golden-Gargiso.

“Regina held her family close and treasured the bonds she shared with each of them.”

Family and friends may visit on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A prayer service will be held at 5 p.m. during visitation. Burial will take place on Thursday, Jan. 29, at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Middletown, where an 11:30 a.m. graveside service will be held.

In addition to flowers, the family encourages honoring Regina’s passion for music through a donation to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, helping musicians and music industry workers in need, specifically for Regina’s friend Jesse through the Sweet Relief Jesse Malin Fund.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home