Nicole Torella, 54, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Silver Spring, Maryland, Nicole was raised and spent most of her life in Fanwood, New Jersey, where she built a life defined by dedication, compassion, and service to others.

Nicole dedicated more than two decades to Union College in Cranford, New Jersey, beginning her career in 1999. For most of her time at UCNJ, she worked in College Relations, where she played an integral role in marketing and publications. In this capacity, she managed budgeting and approvals for the department and contributed to the development of materials that represented the College to both internal and external audiences. She also served as an adjunct instructor in the Communications department for many years, sharing her knowledge and experience with our students.

In 2022, Nicole transitioned to the Communication Center, where she served as a Communication Center Generalist. In this role, she created communication campaigns, managed all external events hosted at the College, and coordinated room reservations for internal events. She was often one of the first points of contact for the College, answering phones, assisting students, and ensuring that information was communicated clearly and consistently. She also maintained a strong awareness of College-wide activities, helping to keep operations running smoothly.

More than her responsibilities, Nicole brought a level of care and commitment that truly set her apart. She was the embodiment of the UCNJ mission in action, approaching every interaction with kindness, patience, and a genuine desire to help others. During the pandemic, she was a steady and reassuring presence, serving as the friendly voice on the other end of the phone for students who needed guidance and support during an uncertain time. Her commitment to education and helping others succeed left a lasting impact on colleagues, students, and the community she so deeply valued.

She was also involved as a volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Union County and the New Jersey Folk Festival. Her efforts raised awareness, provided support, and fostered connections among countless individuals and families.

Beyond her professional life, Nicole was passionately involved in volunteer work with the OCD NJ  Foundation and served on the Board of Directors. There, she played a vital role in coordinating and running events, writing newsletters and publications, and organizing the organization's annual conference and walk-a-thon.     Nicole was also a proud member of the alumni association of  Douglass Residential College at Rutgers University, maintaining strong ties to her academic roots and giving back whenever she could.

She was an avid reader with a creative spirit and made beautiful costume jewelry for family and friends in her spare time.

Nicole had a remarkable ability to organize and support a wide range of organizations, always stepping in wherever help was needed. Her years of experience, combined with her thoughtful nature, made her a trusted source of guidance and advice to so many.

Above all, Nicole will be remembered as one of the kindest and sweetest people anyone could know. Her generosity, warmth, and unwavering willingness to help others left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family, friends, colleagues, and the many lives she touched.

Nicole is survived by her loving parents, Raymond and Rochelle (nee Barletta) Torella, dear sister, Noelle Torella(Chris) Pidustwa, beloved nephew, Sebastian Pidustwa, her aunt, Annamarie Guedes, her uncles, Salvatore(Sandy) Barletta and Patrick Barletta, and her cousins, Melissa Dettling, and Vincent, and Steven Barletta.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 4:00 PM-800 PM at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary’s-Stony Hill R.C. Church in Watchung, NJ. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donation in Nicole’s honor to causes that were meaningful to her:

UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ (Union County College Foundation)                                                                                 

 To support the Nicole Torella Memorial Scholarship, honoring her commitment to helping students pursue their educational dreams   www.ucc.edu/torellascholarship

OCD NJ Foundation- where Nicole served on the Board of Directors  

 https://www.ocdnj.org/

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA of Union County), -where Nicole served as a dedicated volunteer

https://www.casapassaicunion.org/