Dolores Rongo, 80 of Holiday City West, Berkeley Twp. NJ, passed away on Thursday January 18, 2018 at Arbors Care Center surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Jersey City NJ, she lived in Brick NJ for 35 years where she worked for the Brick Township Board of Education before retiring to Berkeley Twp. Dolores was active in the Brick Town youth school PTA programs where she created the ATP (A Talented Parent) Follies. A series of variety shows that featured the Herbertsville neighborhood parents and utilized Dolores’ talent as a comedic writer. Dolores also performed as a vocalist under the name of ‘Dee Michaels’ performing with her husband Frank on saxophone under the name ‘Frank & Dee’. The duo performed throughout New Jersey for many years. But Dolores was best known as ‘Mama Rongo’ to the many friends of her children who loved her so. Because on any given day or night they could come to the Rongo’s for some of Mama Rongo’s amazing food, and listen to any number of fascinating stories of her childhood. Dolores loved sharing food and stories because family traditions and gatherings were paramount to her in so many ways.
Dolores is predeceased by her parents Angela and Michael DeNigris, and her brother Frank. She is survived by her husband Frank, her sisters Maria Gullace and Elvira DeGennaro. Children Frank A. Rongo Jr. (Kathleen), Daniel J. Rongo (Andrea), Angela Bost (Bill), Micaela Scott (Bill). Grandchildren Alexandra, Celeste (Kevin), Frankie (Bri), Robert (Megan), Dean, Annalee and Willie. Great Grandchildren Catherine, Frankie, Isla and Willow.
The family will receive friends Monday January 22, 2018 from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Tuesday January 23, 2018 at 10:30am at St. Maximilian Kolbe RC Church, Berkeley Twp. In lieu of flowers the Rongo family asks that you consider supporting the following: www.stjude.org or www.stroke.org.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.ryanfuneralhome.com