Farewell Interview with Teresa Tuturice
Rep. Mary Jo Daley October 4, 2023
A member of my office staff who you likely know, Teresa Tuturice, is retiring on Oct. 31.
She has been with our House Democratic Caucus for 18 years, and her services and presence in our daily lives will be sorely missed!
Teresa was especially gifted in serving our district’s senior citizens, thanks to her enthusiasm and amazing can-do work ethic.
She completed hundreds, if not thousands, of Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms for our senior and disabled constituents, regularly brought in home-cooked and baked goodies, and was a delight to all.
Teresa Tuturice:
I have worked for the House since January 2005, so for over 18 years. I worked for Rep. Mike Gerber and when he decided not to run again, for Rep. Daley.
Once Rep. Gerber was elected he sought me out. My brother was a fellow attorney in Montgomery County and I worked in his law office. Rep. Gerber heard we were closing that office and asked me if I would like to interview for a job in his new District Office. I met with Rep. Gerber and his chief of staff for breakfast at Boccella’s restaurant in Conshohocken, where I was born and raised. When the Rep realized I knew every person in the restaurant (staff AND customers) he decided he should definitely hire me. I learned that later.
Working for Rep. Gerber was a real pleasure. He always expressed gratitude for the work that the DO staff did. He was very genuine.
The first time I met Rep. Daley was right after she had gone door to door in Conshohocken to meet her soon to be constituents. After her door knocking she came into the District Office and said: “Where’s Teresa? Who’s Teresa?” She said that everyone asked if she was keeping me on or told her she should. She kept me on.
I have also enjoyed working for Rep. Daley and all the different staff members and constituents I have met over the years. Rep. Daley’s work on women’s rights especially makes me proud to have assisted her.
I was fortunate to have been trained by Melanie A. Brown, who worked for Rep. Gerber in Harrisburg and is now in the Lt. Governor’s office. I will always be grateful for her assistance.
My favorite event is our annual veteran’s recognition event. Sometimes we take our vets on a trip and sometimes we host a breakfast for them with a speaker and other entertainment. I always enjoy speaking with them and hearing their stories. I appreciate their service and the gratitude they show for our work.
During Rep. Gerber’s tenure I had the chance to meet Hilary Rodham Clinton when she came to Conshohocken. This was long before she was a Secretary of State or a Senator. I also met Gov. Ed Rendell and when I was with Rep. Daley, Philadelphia Eagles Barrett Brooks and Brian Westbrook.
I have been married to my husband Russ for 48 years. We have a son and two daughters, and we lost one to cancer at a very young age. We also have two wonderful grandchildren. I am a homebody when I am not working and enjoy making Sunday dinner for my whole clan. My mother was from Rome and spoke Italian. My father, whose ancestors came from Italy met her when he was stationed over there during the 2nd World War. His cousin married my mother’s sister and the two sisters traveled to PA to start their families. My colleagues know when I start speaking Italian under my breath to steer clear.
In addition to cooking for my family, I love to putter in my garden.
I will miss my colleagues and the opportunity to help Rep. Daley’s constituents, but I’m looking forward to my retirement.