Adriana R. O'Toole

Adriana Ricci O’Toole, a longtime resident of Montclair, New Jersey, died on March 8, 2026, surrounded by her children after a brief illness. She was 93. Born on September 11, 1932, to Italian immigrants Idamo and Theresa Ricci, Adriana was the first in her family to attend college. After graduating from Emerson High School in Union City in 1950, she earned a degree in English from Douglass College and later received a Master’s degree in Education from New York University in 1964.

Adriana enjoyed a remarkable 50-year career in real estate, retiring only at the age of 91. Her dedication to the profession earned her recognition as Realtor of the Year on multiple occasions, including twice from the local board and from the New Jersey Certified Residential Specialist Chapter. Deeply committed to her community, she co-founded the Northern New Jersey Chapter of the Victorian Society and was a charter member of Montclair UNICO. She served as president of the Montclair Board of Realtors, the Montclair Lions Club, the Montclair College Club, and the Montclair Chamber of Commerce, while also contributing her time and leadership to the League of Women Voters, the Montclair Bird Club, AIM, the Antique Club of Montclair, and many other local organizations. She served on the Montclair Board of Adjustment and the Montclair Planning Board, and was a founder of both a local Red Hat Society chapter and The Other Garden Club. Adriana was actively involved with Montclair’s Fourth of July Committee, co-chairing it with Herschel White, and was once honored as Grand Marshal of the town’s Independence Day parade.

She and her husband, John, whom she met through the Short Hills Ski Club, shared a lifelong love of travel, exploring the world both independently and with the Road Scholar Educational Organization. A lifelong learner, Adriana continually pursued new interests, studying watercolor painting, tatting, tap dancing, basket weaving, cooking, mushroom identification, Italian, history at Montclair State University, and gardening. She held a deep appreciation for local history, regularly attending meetings of area historical societies. She enjoyed walking with friends, gardening, cooking, and collecting Montclair postcards, antique toothpick holders, doorknobs, miniature houses, and local history books. Above all, she cherished collecting friendships and meeting new people.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, John O’Toole, in 2016, and her brother, Robert Ricci, in 2009, Adriana is survived by her children, Michael and his wife Katy, Andrew, and Tara and her partner Simon, and by her grandchildren, William and Sonia. She was an extraordinary woman whose enthusiasm for life brought joy to everyone she met and who will be deeply missed.