Richard John “RJ” Turco, a longtime educator and administrator at Wildwood Catholic Academy in North Wildwood, has died. He was 81.
Known as a devoted family man and transformational educator, he passed away peacefully July 4 surrounded by his family.
For more than four decades, Turco was known as a cornerstone of Wildwood’s Catholic high school. He attended Wildwood Catholic as a student – where he met his wife of 57 years, Marie – and later sent his two sons and granddaughter to graduate from its halls.
Turco impacted generations of students as a teacher, disciplinarian, vice principal, principal, golf coach and director of the school play. He also organized crucial fundraising efforts, including annual golf tournaments and art auctions, to support Catholic education.
Born in Philadelphia on May 25, 1945, he pursued his higher education at Seton Hall University and UCLA before earning his master’s degree from Georgian Court University in Lakewood. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.
At the core of his life were his Catholic faith and his family, said those who knew him. Guided by humility and grace, he lived with a constant awareness of God’s presence, finding joy in simple moments – gardening, cooking and sharing meals surrounded by those he loved.
He is survived by his wife, Marie; his sons, Christopher and Robert; his daughter-in-law, Lucie; and his grandchildren, Christopher and Gabrielle.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 18 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Cape May.
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