Stacia Anne Ficarro

Stacia Anne Ficarro of Paoli, PA passed away February 3, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer.  Small in stature, but a “big girl” at heart, Stacia was a selfless educator who cared deeply for others and impacted countless lives.  She was inspired by, and followed the teachings of Mother Teresa. Despite physically leaving us too soon, Stacia’s spirit of generosity, kindness, determination, and humor will live on.

Born in Binghamton, NY and raised in Yardley, PA, Stacia attended Villa Joseph Marie High School.  She spent the next four years at Villanova University, earning a B.S. degree in Education, and later achieving a M.S. in Education from Cabrini University.

Stacia pursued a career in education because she believed it to be her best opportunity to improve the lives of others.  She dedicated 27 years to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as a high school math teacher at St. Pius X and Pope John Paul II High Schools.  Stacia created a special environment in the classroom and was equally supportive to her students outside the classroom.  Many of Miss Ficarro’s students remained an important part of her life beyond graduation. 

Extracurricular activities, especially basketball, were so important to Stacia as a means to inspire others.  As a basketball coach, she inspired players at the high school (Pius X, Phoenixville) and collegiate level (Ursinus College). While earning her bachelor’s degree, she led from the sidelines as the manager for Villanova’s women's basketball team.  And as a teacher, she took care to support her students’ pursuits in sports, music, and the arts.

Stacia maintained an active lifestyle for as long as she could. She had played in the East Norriton basketball league since college up until the last few years, and played rough touch football in Upper Darby for a number of years, achieving 5 straight undefeated seasons with the “Throw Ball Here” team. Stacia loved dancing, hiking and traveling, even making it to London in November 2019 to catch a live show of her favorite podcast, My Favorite Murder. She spent summers sailing and roasting marshmallows by the firepit at the lake (Whites Bay, Henderson, NY).  She enjoyed weekly Quizzo games at the Great American Pub in Paoli with her dear friend Rob and the rest of the “Hot 4 Teachers” team. And she was always there to lend a hand to her brother Joseph's landscaping business. Somehow she still found time to never miss an episode of Days of Our Lives.

Stacia was, and will continue to be, the heart and soul of family for her brothers, Thomas and Joseph. Beloved by her deceased parents (Nancy, Joe), an inspiration to her in-laws (JoEllen, Kristina], nieces (Claire, Lily, Phoebe, Alaina) and nephew (Joey), as well as her Aunt (Sharon, Jim, Ryan, Katie), she is also mourned by many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and an amazing community of friends, neighbors, colleagues, and students who she considered family.

Stacia lived her life the way she did all while managing the daily challenge of a traumatic brain injury. She was a genuine role model to those fortunate enough to have spent time with her. We all miss her and will forever love her “7”.

Friends, former colleagues and students of Saint Pius X High School and Pope John Paul II High School are invited to a visitation, Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 5PM – 7PM at Pope John Paul II High School, 181 Rittenhouse Road, Royersford, PA.  Covid-19 precautions will be in place, face coverings and social distance will be required.  Please visit the Pope John Paul II High School website to pre-register your attendance at www.pjphs.org.  Pre-registration is required to adhere to indoor gathering size limitations.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private mass will be held Thursday, February 11 at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas of Villanova. All others are invited to join a live stream available via the following link:https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OdzyC-Ayv4I

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an organization special to Stacia, such as Four Diamonds 1249 Cocoa Ave #115, Hershey, PA 17033 or the Mind Your Brain Foundation P. O. Box 1127 Paoli, PA 19301. Alternatively, please consider donating to Pope John Paul High II School 181 Rittenhouse Rd, Royersford, PA 19468 for the establishment of a Stacia Ficarro Memorial Scholarship.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home Inc. 410 N. Church St. West Chester, PA 19380 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com