Ramona Victalino

Ramona Victalino from Long Island, New York passed away Monday, May 26, 2025 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, New Hampshire. She passed away peacefully following a long and brave journey with Alzheimer's disease. 

Ramona was born in Viernheim, Germany, on September 28, 1947, to Maria Gerda Herd and Louis Antonio Victalino. She was raised in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, New York. After marrying, she settled on Long Island, where she started a family and began her career at Newsday. Ramona started as a secretary and, through hard work and dedication, rose to a managerial position in the Newsprint Operations Department. Her career with Newsday-later Times Mirror and Tribune-spanned over thirty years until her retirement. She truly loved her job. Ramona was naturally social and thrived in business networking, forming many of her closest lifelong friendships through her years at Newsday. 

During her years on Long Island, life brought its share of twists and turns. After her divorce, Ramona became a devoted single mother to two children while also continuing her education to advance her career. Those who knew Ramona knew how tirelessly she worked. She possessed an unwavering work ethic and held high standards-not only for herself, but for those around her. 

Over the years, Ramona bought and sold many homes of her own, often expressing a desire to pursue real estate professionally-and she did just that. After retiring from Newsday, she relocated to North Carolina and earned her real estate license. As a Realtor she found joy once more in a role that blended her enthusiasm for the business world with her natural gift for social connection. 

Ramona was the eldest of five siblings, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. She often took on the responsibilities of a second mother, a dynamic that remained throughout her life. A strong and steady presence in her family, Ramona brought loved ones together often-hosting lively gatherings filled with delicious food, music, laughter, games, and unforgettable memories. Her house parties and backyard barbecues were legendary for uniting family and friends in joyful celebrations. Ramona was a natural hostess and a remarkable woman who embodied family values, strong work ethic, leadership, grace, individuality, and love. She was fiercely loyal to her family and a trusted, devoted friend to many. We will fondly remembered Ramona for her classy style and creative flair.

 Ramona is survived by her son, John Antonio Rivera, Jr., and his wife, Daisy Gomez-Rivera; her daughter, Selena Steele, and her husband, Patrick Steele; her 5 beloved grandchildren, Magnus, Teagan, Antonio John 'AJ', Payton, and Saiya; her sister Antoinette Marche; her brother Antonio Victalino, his wife, Chris; her brother Manuel Victalino, his wife, Ada; her many nieces and nephews, Raquel, Tony, Raymond, Alex, Kareen, Michelle, Erica, Jelyn, Jasmine, Bryce, Anissa, Ashton, Imani, Chance, Collani, Shiori, Bronson, Elianna, Mina, Peyton and their spouses; and her cousins.

Ramona was predeceased by her parents and sister, Victoria Brandi and her husband, Lorenzo Brandi, a.k.a., 'Chi’.

I will miss you beyond words Mom, I love you. Thank you for the gift of you being you, your love, demonstrated values and most of all, TIME with you. You are always with me.

Services held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Lindenhurst Funeral Home, Lindenhurst, NY at 10:30a. Interment at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Farmingdale, NY. Please consider donating to Alzheimer's Association at alz.org