Robert and Amelia Talerico of Holmdel came forward today to claim the $21.5 million prize from the June 25 Pick-6 game draw, NJ Lottery officials announced today. The winning ticket was sold at the Holmdel 7-Eleven at Kohl's Plaza on Route 35 North. 

At the press conference today, Robert Talerico, an electrical contractor, told how it was his habit to purchase around 7 lottery tickets a week. But for that particular drawing, he felt compelled to buy two extra Quick-Picks at the Holmdel 7-Eleven.

On the Monday morning after the drawing, he stopped to scan a handful of tickets and realized he had a winner when the electronic reader directed him to ask for a form from the clerk. "With a printout of the winning numbers back in his vehicle, he realized he had the winning number and immediately called his wife," said his legal advisor, Jim Maggs of Holmdel, of McDermott & Maggs located in Brielle. "Then he went to work." 

The Talaricos could not be immediately reached for comment, but according to Maggs they have no immediate plans to change their lifestyle. Robert Talerico's wife, Amelia, is a retired New York City schoolteacher who urged her husband to buy Pick-6 tickets because the odds are better, he said. They have one daughter, Lauren. 

"Congratulations to the Talericos,” said Carole Hedinger, Executive Director, New Jersey Lottery. “This is a life-changing jackpot and the fifth largest in Pick-6 history. And congratulations to Jayesh Patel, the lucky retailer for selling this $21.5 million ticket.” Patel will receive a $2,000 bonus check for selling this ticket.    

It was not immediately known how much the Talericos get to take home. They purchased the ticket opting for an annuity but later opted for a cash payout, said NJ Lottery spokesperson Judith Drucker. The Lottery needs to sell the bonds that were already purchased for the win on the open market, and the value of these bonds will not be known until sometime tomorrow, she explained.

The Talericos are being represented by financial professional, Walter Tombs from Manasquan. 

New Jersey residents also benefit from the sizable Pick-6 jackpot. The contribution the State receives from this roll, which began on December 19, 2011 and ended on June 25, 2012 is more than $20.5 million.