Theresa Ferraro Picozzi

December 5, 1922, through January 7, 2026

Theresa (Terry) Ferraro Picozzi's life was well lived over her 103 years due to her optimism and energy. She was born in 1922 to Hermann and Frances Ferraro in Schenectady, N.Y. and grew up in the Italian culture of their family home.

Terry earned a degree from The College of Saint Rose, Albany, followed by working for the General Electric Company where she met her husband, Vincent (Vince) Picozzi. Her second degree, a master's from SUNY Albany gave her the opportunity to flourish as a teacher, a career that she loved. She taught for many years first at Draper High School and then at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School, both in upstate New York. At each school she developed lifelong friendships and over the course of her career influenced the lives of hundreds of students.

Terry was a devoted wife to her husband, Vince. She was a "mother's mother" to her four children: Vincent, Anita, Elissa, and James, honing her cooking and gardening skills to provide a comfortable home for the Glenville family. Her days focused on her children: attending sports events, PTA meetings, driving to music and art lessons or band practice to assure that each child had an opportunity to discover and build on their individual passions. She and Vince frequented the Edison Club where they enjoyed golfing, socializing, and dancing. Terry was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Terry had a sharp mind until the last. She was an accomplished bridge player and competed intensely, playing often, and reading the bridge column in the daily newspaper until her last day. She was an avid fiction reader, traveler, and creative knitter.

In 1981 Terry moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, following a career opportunity for Vincent who passed away in 1993. She moved to Laguna Woods Village in southern California in 2001 to live near her son James. Family and friends joined her in December 2025 at her Laguna Woods home for a 103rd birthday celebration. She loved life and found joy regardless of the circumstances.

Theresa Picozzi was predeceased by her husband, Vince, son, James, son in law, John Sterry, and brother, Anthony Ferraro. She is survived by her son, Dr. Vincent Picozzi and his wife, Dr. Beverly Hashimoto of Seattle, Washington, along with their three children: Ben Picozzi, Esq., Dr. Elissa Picozzi, and Dean Picozzi; her daughter, Anita Moran and her husband, Kevin as well as her granddaughter Elizabeth of Portland, Oregon; and daughter, Elissa Sterry of Houston, Texas. We give thanks to Grace Alaras, her beloved caregiver for 16 years.

Her remains will be interned at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Albany, N.Y. on a date to be determined.