Regina M. Pacitti

 Ms. Regina M. Pacitti, of Waltham, died at home on Friday, October 17, 2025, following a brief illness. She was 71.

Gina was born in Waltham on November 25, 1953, a daughter of the late Domenic and Eleanor (Bonica) Pacitti. Raised in Waltham, she graduated from Waltham High School before earning her B.A. and M.A. in English, drama, and education from Tufts University, followed by an M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from Boston College and a graduate certificate in Social Work in Health Care from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. She also completed coursework in School Psychology at Northeastern University.

A dedicated educator and counselor, Gina served in the Waltham Public Schools as a teacher, adjustment counselor and social worker until her retirement in 2011. She began her career teaching English in the Waltham Public Schools in 1975 before transitioning to counseling roles.

After retiring, she continued to support students as a substitute guidance counselor, a consultant and grief counselor, and a substitute adjustment counselor. Since 1994, Gina served as a Justice of the Peace for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, officiating weddings, vow renewals, and baby naming ceremonies through her practice, justiceofthepeacegina.com.

Gina enjoyed staying active, swimming at the Waverly Oaks Athletic Center pool. She was also a proud member of the Waltham Retirees, she cherished the camaraderie of her peers, and her spirit as a travel enthusiast led her to explore many exciting places, creating countless happy memories.

She leaves her brother, Anthony J. Pacitti MD, and his wife, Kelli J. Herndon, of Palatka, Florida; her godchild, Shannon M. Rose, of Roslindale; several cousins and their families; and her beloved dog, Slim Jim.

Family and friends will honor and remember Regina’s life by gathering for an Evening Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, October 23rd from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 10 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Entombment will follow in Newton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to the Domenic and Eleanor Bonica Pacitti Memorial Scholarship which is given annually to a Waltham High School graduate who plans to major in world languages or psychology/social work. Checks should be made payable to Waltham High School (with Domenic and Eleanor Bonica Pacitti Memorial Scholarship on the memo line) and sent to the Principal's Office at Waltham High School, 554 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA 02452.

To watch a broadcast of Regina's Funeral Mass please visit https://www.sacredheart311.com/watch-match at 11 a.m. on Friday morning.