Margaret Giacobe

April 9,1934 – September 14, 2026

Margaret Giacobe, affectionately known as “Marge”, “Large Marge”, or “Marge in Charge”, passed away leaving behind a profound legacy of community activism, political leadership, and trailblazing professional achievements.

Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, Margaret graduated from Ferris High School with the Class of 1951. Her lifelong passion for public service was ignited in the late 1940’s and early 1950’ by her father, Frank Lanzillo. As a young woman, she jumped headfirst into local politics, dedicating countless hours to handing leaflets and canvassing door-to-door.

Margaret was a woman ahead of her time. She broke the glass ceiling by securing a management position with the Jonathan Logan clothing company in Manhattan, New York, during an era when few women held such roles.

In the 1990’s Margaret brought her organizing talent to Clermont, Florida. There, she served as the Vice Chair of the Lake County Democratic Executive Committee and became a founding member and President of the South Lake Democrat Club.

Though her accomplishments spanned decades and states, those closest to her know that if you were to ask her what the best years of her life were, she would say without hesitation: her time in Keansburg during the 1960’s. Neighborhoods are not buildings and roads; they are the people living there at the time. To those who lived at the intersection Ramsey Ave and Kennedy Way during that time- Joe and Marie Mele, Betty and Charlie Hansen, Betty Ryan, the Papas, the Pruchniks-thank you for the memories and Godspeed.

To our mother: “Job well done, you stand relieved”

Margaret is pre-deceased by her husband Richard; survived by three children Richard, Denise Lawler and Barbra. Marget had seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers it is requested donations are made to the Southlake Democrat Club.