Judy Rose Picco Tarullo passed away on October 23, 2026 surrounded by her children, following a sudden illness.

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Judy grew up in Cicero, Illinois and was a proud graduate of Morton East High School’s class of 1967, where she was a cheerleader, Miss Morton, and friend to many. At Morton College, she was in “Pajama Game,” which helped kickstart her lifelong love of theater. She was known for hilarious stories from times throughout her entire life: childhood summers with cherished relatives in Clinton, Indiana; rowdy bus rides to away games; high school reunions with friends of over 60 years; singalongs at the Amber Lantern; and New Year’s Eve parties that lasted well into New Year’s Day. She felt at home in New York City and in Las Vegas and her many, many antics with friends and family there brought her unforgettable memories that never left her.

Judy had four kids and she delighted in being a mom. She was president of the Pershing PTA, took her kids and their friends to plays, and was a staple of Berwyn Community Theater, performing in shows with her kids and writing parody songs for cast parties. She poured love into her many nieces and nephews and never wasted a chance to share a laugh with them. She took extended family to Great America multiple times a summer. She made everything she touched more fun.

She later worked at Morton West High School, where she met dear friends and made everyone in the building laugh with her blunt and hilariously self-deprecating sense of humor. She was good at and loved math, and was more savvy with technology and computers than she ever gave herself credit for. She retired from Morton to become a caregiver to her grandchildren Eddie and Lucia, who she had countless laughs with. She adored them and showed them that every day. She influenced them endlessly and made it a priority to take them to plays (and visit the stage door) just like she did with her kids.

Without a doubt, the people in her life were Judy’s most precious gift, just as she was a gift to everyone around her. She was famous for her incredible baking that she shared freely, from countless Judy Picco cakes to thousands of Christmas cookies she gave away each year. More than anything, she loved a good time and made sure everyone around her did the same. Her life was made rich with laughter over hours of Trivial Pursuit, infinite trips to see live theater, and singing and dancing to the radio in her kitchen.

Judy’s passing follows that of her beloved family: her mother and father, Mary (Vignocchi) Picco and John Picco, her brother Jim Picco and sister Lucy Picco-Simpson, along with other treasured friends and relatives. She is survived by her adoring children Mary (Michael Gabbard), Gina, Sam, and Rose; loving grandchildren Eddie and Lucia; cherished sister-in-law Barbara (Miller) Picco; dear cousins; nieces and nephews; and friends who feel like family.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Albany Park Theater Project.