Obituary of Carol Jacko

Carol (nee Sandman) Jacko was born January 2, 1939 in her first hometown, Union City; she passed in her second hometown of Denville, where Carol lived from 1988 until March 2, 2024.

Upon her arrival, she immersed herself in everything Denville. She worked for Clyde’s Cleaners, Denville Dairy, Wulster Chiropractic, Dr. Andy Smith, Chiropractic, and more.

As for her volunteer spirit. . . well it was bar none.

Carol was a Grand Marshall of the Denville Holiday Parade, recipient of the Muriel Hepner Volunteer of the Year Award, and received the Paul Harris Recognition from the Denville Sunrise Rotary Club. She was a longtime member of the Denville Historical Society and a dynamic member of the Denville Recreation Committee. While volunteering for Soup for Seniors, she helped provide over 300 bread bowls of soup for our Denville Seniors. When volunteering for the many annual Joey Bella Memorial events, she took part in events from Lip Sync to Costume Designer to making movies! Yes, she drove the car in Twister and it WAS her hand in Forrest Gump. She was also a member of the Bob Dickson Players (lip sync) with her duet partner, Chris Ambrosi, with their go-to songs, I Got You Babe by Sonny & Cher and Islands in the Stream by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers. We thank all of those artists for many infectious laughs!

Oh wait, there’s more! At the historical event honoring over 500 Veterans for the 50th Anniversary of WWII, Carol performed the songs of the Andrew Sisters with Pat as LaVerne, Ellen as Patty, and our Carol as Maxine. They played hits such as “(I'll Be with You) In Apple Blossom Time” and “Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree”.  She loved to get dressed up and spread smiles and joy everywhere she went! With the Chamber of Commerce, she was a volunteer for the Dinner Dance Committee with the gang of six; Carol, Harriett, Patty, Pat, Judy, and Ellen. They always came up with an exciting theme such as the roaring 20’s, Sports, Big Band, Hollywood, even Ancient Times.

During the Thanksgiving weekend every year, just prior to the parade on Friday night, Carol would have the whole family dress up in costume! Her baby brother George was Big Bird, her husband Ed was a Ninja Turtle, and anyone who wanted to dress up and walk into Downtown Denville to celebrate the season was welcome. She was a Founding Member of the Denville Sunrise Rotary Club. Another event that Carol looked forward to yearly was one that she, herself was the inspiration for! There is a wonderful event that takes place each year to raise funds for the Denville Sunrise Rotary; the Denville Duck Race!

As a Founding Member of the Sunrise Rotary, she was the catalyst for this wonderful event that takes place each year to raise funds for the Sunrise Rotary; the Denville Duck Race! This event started so many years ago and has grown into an extraordinary event for the children of Denville. . . big kids as well. Today over 400 garnished rubber ducks are placed in a front-end loader and when the Mayor tugs at the cannon pull, they are sent into the Rockaway River. There is a duck decorating contest, a large blow-up duck for photos, clowns and even jugglers!

Carol was also an integral part of the St. Clare’s Harvest Festival and played a major role in the Christmas Barn. She continued this role when it became the St. Francis Fall Festival, and was truly one of the finest brigade members.

And then there was. . . the Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge, joining the Denville PBA in the raising of funds for the Special Olympics. By the way, the last time she plunged herself was at the young age of 70! We can’t forget about her neighbors on Dayton and Avondale, serving on occasion as chair couple (Carol & Ed) for the Strawberry Street Festival and her favorite time of year; dressing up for Halloween, posting up in her front yard with a camera, ready to take the neighborhood kids pictures in costumes.

Carol always attended the American Legion dinners and Memorial Day Parade for God and Country. She showed up for everyone, whether they needed her or not. She was a remarkable, one-of-a-kind woman who be sorely missed. The world, and Denville specifically, is a much better place because of the forever mark that Carol has left on it. We will be eternally grateful for having her in our lives, and now forever in our hearts and memories. Some of the things we will never forget; Thanksgiving dinner, Unicorns, Cher, Crossword puzzles, Yoohoo, and of course, the annual summer BBQ – we will remember her.

She leaves a legacy of unconditional love, infectious laughter, grace, and class in the hearts of her precious family members; her beloved husband of 42 years, Ed Jacko; her loving children, Michael Gagliardi, Robyn Ann Edler, Philip Gagliardi, their father, Phil Gagliardi, Craig (Jeanette) Tourso, Tracey (Al) Gabrielle, Dawn (Chris) Lazzari, Eddie Jacko, April (Bill) Turner, and Sean Jacko; her cherished grandchildren, Christina (Chris) Kessing, Michael (Stephanie) Gagliardi, John, Tayla, Shannan, Eric, Dylan, Nicholas, Eddie, Jr., Jake, Zach, Lexie, Brianna, and Trey; her treasured great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Samuel, and Eliana; her caring siblings, the late Arthur (Tillie) Sandman, Irene Patricia (John) Minervini, and George (Ellen) Sandman; and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

One final thing. . . yes, she donated her body to science, a true giving person. We will be celebrating her life on Saturday, April 13th at Gardner Field, the lower pavilion at 1 pm. All are welcome to come and share your memories of a life well spent, and worth celebrating! Please leave a condolence, light a candle, or share your favorite remembrance of Carol here to continue to celebrate her life and let her light shine.