Obituary

Regina Smith Coglitore
May 1, 1943 – Dec 29, 2024

Regina Smith Coglitore passed away on December 29th, 2024, at age 81. She was a resident of Coto de Caza, California at the time of her passing.

Regina was born in Passaic, New Jersey, on May 1st, 1943, to Edward James Smith and Helen Schumell Smith. She attended Passaic public schools and met the love of her life, Sebastian F. Coglitore, when they were classmates at Passaic High School. She attended William Paterson University, in Wayne, New Jersey, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Junior High School Education in 1965.

Regina and Sebastian were married in June 1965 just prior to her husband entering active duty in the United States Air Force. Over the course of her husband’s three decades on active duty, Regina was the ultimate homemaker and mom. In addition, she supported her husband in every one of his assignments and found time to care for the Air Force families serving with them. Regina was recognized by the Air Force for her significant contributions to the Air Force community. She twice served as editor of the Officers’ Wives Club monthly magazine at Air Force bases where she resided. If her busy schedule permitted, she worked as a substitute teacher in California and Virginia. She also taught Sunday School classes.

In her senior years, Regina enjoyed ocean and river cruises and trips to Hawaii. She especially loved Venice. She also loved the challenge of word puzzles, especially crossword and acrostic puzzles. She cherished quiet evenings sitting on her backyard patio watching the sun set over the local hills.

Regina was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 59-1/2 years, three children: Thomas (Leslie), Carolyn, and Douglas; three granddaughters: Alexis Coglitore Santoro (Jay), Karolina Coglitore, and Katharine Coglitore; and a great granddaughter, Vivienne Ruth Santoro who was born on December 17, 2024.

A vigil will be held on January 7th, 2025 from 7:00-9:00pm at O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA. The funeral Mass will be held on January 8th, 2025 at 10:00am at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church, 22082 Antonio Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, followed by a graveside service from 2:00-2:30pm at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA.