I shared an office with Vicki in the 80’s at the Division of Law in Newark.  She was an ever-ready co-conspirator in my April’s Fools pranks,  a sing-along partner, a frequent Friday night celebrant in my neighborhood’s porch nights and an always-welcome addition to my family holiday dinners.  My children grew up with Vicki as an important part of their lives.  Her humor, her intellect, and her compassion always shone through.  She will be so missed.      My heartfelt condolences to her family.               

Sharon Joyce             

Vicki was my very very dear friend. She provided sound counsel during the pandemic and beyond - and not the kind that said here’s some legal advice, good luck. She was in the trenches with us every day dealing with unexpected - and unprecedented - twists and turns. We were so fortunate to have her. As our chief lawyer, she could have sat back from it all, but she took the work personally and she wanted to help our team shoulder the burden of serving two million New Jerseyans the best way possible.

After I left the agency, we still texted each other every single day. I miss her laugh, her Instagram gems (an endless supply of puppy videos - she knew her audience), her insights and world view, her crossword collaboration, and our IHOP breakfasts.

Words can’t convey the loss we feel of our fabulous colleague and friend. Love to the Mangiaracina family. 

This news is such a shock. I met Vicki in 1973 as freshmen in Abbey Hall at Mount Holyoke College. Vicki was a friend to all, always happy to take a break from studying to hop in her car and go for pizza (‘za’) in Amherst. She was always ‘game’ and willing to listen or help with whatever anyone was dealing with. We enjoyed hearing stories of her brother and her nieces who she loved deeply.

 My heartfelt condolences to Vicki’s family, friends, colleagues, and the state of NJ. We were fortunate to have her in our lives. 

❤️