Obituary of Dena Rallo

Dena Rallo, 87, of Freehold passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at The Jewish Home, Freehold Township.  Born and raised in Brooklyn, Dena was a bookkeeper and later worked alongside her husband at Rallo Tile in Brooklyn.  In retirement, she split her time between New York, Florida and New Jersey.  Dena was a skilled Mah Jong and Canasta player.  She was an animal lover who also enjoyed shopping, as well as dining out, her favorite meal being lobster which she indulged in every year for her birthday dinner.   

Dena was happiest when surrounded by family and friends at holiday gatherings.  She was blessed to welcome her great granddaughter Mia Grosbard in 2023 and thanks to FaceTime she was witness to her growing and thriving every day.  During this short period of time, Mia learned to say Nana and blow her kisses, truly one of the highlights of Dena’s life. 

Dena was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Edna Panzer; and her husband, Anthony “Tony” Rallo in 2000.  She is survived by her daughters, Ronni O’Connor and her husband, Edward, and Jane Burrafato and her husband, Frank; grandchildren, Brianna O’Connor, Matthew O’Connor and his girlfriend, Shanna Kelly, Andrew O’Connor, Alexandra O’Connor, Bianca Burrafato, Marina Grosbard and her husband, Matthew, Vincent Burrafato and his girlfriend, Ava Niosi; and great granddaughter, Mia Grosbard.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 10:00 AM graveside service on Friday, June 21, 2024 at Woodbridge Memorial Gardens, Route 1 North, Iselin.  Please do not send any flowers at the request of the family. Instead, they ask that contributions in Dena’s name be made to Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY 10017.

For information, directions or to leave condolence messages for the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com