Sheila M. Ventricelli

Sheila Marie Ventricelli (nee Garry) passed away peacefully on May 16th, 2025 at the age of 73 surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in New Milford, New Jersey on February 14th, 1952, a Valentine's baby fitting of the love she would bring into this world. She was raised in Bergen County, New Jersey by her mother Patricia Garry and her father Arthur Garry alongside her loving sisters Patricia Grissom and Kimberly Toro. She attended New Milford High School and graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Sheila met her devoted husband, Peter Ventricelli, and the two married on May 15th, 1982, recently celebrating their 43rd anniversary. In May of 1985, Sheila became "Big Sheila" after giving birth to her daughter, Sheila Ventricelli-Pepe. Sheila and Peter moved to Sparta, New Jersey where they lived and raised their family. Three years later she welcomed her son Brian Ventricelli. In 1993, Sheila and Peter founded Sparta Steel Corporation, where she remained President until 2025, all while keeping focus on the job she truly devoted her life to; being a mother. Throughout her life she enjoyed many hobbies and talents. Sheila was very handy, like her father, and loved to decorate her home. She was an avid golfer, earning titles in various tournaments, even internationally, as well as making a hole-in one. Sheila loved to travel, whether to Hershey Park with her children or cruising the Rhine with her husband and friends. She especially loved Paris. She was involved in book clubs, was a patron of Broadway and the Opera and she was a dedicated supporter of Project Self Sufficiency. In more leisurely times, Sheila enjoyed relaxing by her pool and especially spending time at the Jersey Shore with her family. In 2018, Sheila became "Grandma" and over the course of four years welcomed Cecilia and Cole Pepe and Tyler and Layla Ventricelli. Her grandchildren were the utmost joy of her life. Sheila's outstanding strength and resolve during her difficult battle with cancer is a testament to the love she had for life and especially her family. The matriarch of her family, Sheila Ventricelli will be remembered with love. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Project Self Sufficiency in Sheila's name. Private arrangements are under the direction of the Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home #156 Main Street (Rt. 206) Newton, NJ 07860. Online condolences may be given at www.iliff-ruggierofuneralhome.com.