Janet A. "Terriogo" Montecalvo

Janet A. Montecalvo (née Terriogo), 80, of Marlboro, NJ, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

She is embraced in heaven by her Mother Emma (Caldro), her three sisters Louise (Donargo), Mary Anne (D'Amato), and Francis, and her treasured niece Toni Ann (D'Amato), and her beloved nephew and God Son Joseph (Donargo).

Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ for the majority of her life, she also resided in Kearny, Bayonne, Red Bank and Toms River, and spent the past months healing in Marlboro, NJ with her son Mark, daughter-in-law Dr. Michele (Meservie), and her two cherished twin grandsons, Salvatore and Vincenzo. She imparted her love for animals to her grandsons. Her last days were spent petting and loving with the family dog Hunter, and cats S'more and Graham.

Janet was not warm and fuzzy in the traditional way. She was an authentic Jersey City tough cookie who did not mince words. She was direct and clear in her thoughts. Her family gave her strength to persevere, to use her grit to always get any task completed. Janet was a doer. She cooked, cleaned, shopped, managed, and got things done.

Janet worked at Block Drug in Jersey City, NJ as a dedicated Data Processor, using her talents to navigate complex accounting, administrative, and pharmaceutical production for many years. She was an active Classroom Mother at Holy Rosary School in Jersey City while her son, and her nieces and nephews were in attendance. As a past long-term parishioner of Holy Rosary Church (Jersey City), she often volunteered for activities and events that honored her Italian-American culture. Janet held many other jobs in her lifetime, but her most valued use of her time was as a doting daughter, wife and mother. She was a meticulous baker and used the chemistry of baking to create delicious Italian delights.

Janet is survived by her husband Mark Montecalvo, Sr., whom she spent the past five decades building a safe and beautiful home with. They navigated the ups and downs of life side by side; caring for each other through many health issues, completing complex home renovations, traveling to the most magical place - Walt Disney World at least forty times, and enjoying their dogs (and grand dogs and grand cats) over the years. Together, they built a beautiful and joyous life.

Janet had many special days in her life. The day she got married. The day her son was born. The day her son graduated with a college degree and he became a nurse. She was particularly smitten with his achievements. The day her twin grandsons were born. And any day a new Disney pin was released. She was captivated by the story lines, art, and craftsmanship of the Disney pin collections. She amassed a museum quality collection that made her extremely elated and happy.

Janet loved her chocolates. She had a sweet tooth for quality made chocolates. As her cancer illness progressed, it saddened her not to be able to treasure the pleasures of chocolate.

Janet leaves behind a sister Carol Greco (late husband Edward) and a brother Frank Terriogo (wife Regina); and many nieces and nephews whom she adored. She loved her niece Carol (Buscio) with all her heart, and she valued her connection, kindness and compassion. Janet also particularly admired her niece and God Daughter Rachel Terriogo.

Janet fought strongly to live long enough to see her two treasured grandsons, Salvatore and Vincenzo, graduate from high school this June. She was so impressed with their achievements. Her spirit will always be with each of us - valuing honest words, hard work, furry friends, and delicious chocolates. Her tenacious spirit will follow Salvatore & Vincenzo in every achievement.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Janet's memory to the Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall St, Eatontown, NJ 07724, or at monmouthcountyspca.org.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, March 22, 2026 1:00pm – 4:00pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Monday, March 23, 2026 11:00am at St. Gabriel Chapel, 549 Route 520 Newman Springs Road, Marlboro, NJ.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.