Obituary of Flora Rose Blanco

Flora Rose Blanco passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home in Fox Hills with her loving family by her side on Saturday, February 4, 2023. She had shared 85 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Born in Montclair and raised in Garfield and Clifton to the late Olivo and Flora De Lotto, she was one of two children to bless their household. After graduating Clifton High School, she completed her education at Berkeley Secretarial School and went to work for Hoffmann-La Roche. Later, she was employed as a Teacher’s Aide at the Cerebral Palsy Center in Clifton. How she loved working with the children there!

In 1957, Flora met Vincent, who she loved with all of her heart.  Flora had gone on a vacation to Virginia with a friend. A date had been arranged for Flora, but when he could not make it, Vincent, a Massachusetts native serving in the Army stepped in and escorted Flora to church. The two connected instantly and they married on April 25, 1959. The happy couple settled into Clifton to raise a family of their own. Once retired, they relocated to Mt. Arlington before putting down roots in the Fox Hills section of Rockaway Township where they have remained ever since.

Flora was born to be a Mom and a Nonni; her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. With her family by her side, she enjoyed many priceless journeys and get togethers. They went on family trips to Knoebels Amusement Park, Cape Cod, Disney, Florida and on many shopping trips. She loved visiting family. She was a talented musician, having mastered the piano, organ, and clavinova. A favorite family pastime was when Flora would play music, and everyone would join in on the singing; our precious “Sing-Alongs” will never be forgotten. Playing along with her brother-in-law Emile was especially memorable for her. She also took delight in completing crossword puzzles, working on her memory albums, and decorating her dollhouse lovingly made for her by Vincent. She also loved the TV show “Reba”.  Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her parents, brother Joseph De Lotto and his wife Rita, and her precious daughter Deborah Jean.

She leaves only joyful memories to her beloved husband of 63 years, Vincent; her adored daughters, Julie Conroy of Haskell and her husband Phil, Diane Volpe of Oak Ridge and her fiancé Carmen Messina ; her cherished grandchildren, Jessica Kampschmidt of Boonton and her husband Steven, Rebecca Donnelly of Haskell and her husband Kyle, Debbie Heeren of Hopatcong and her husband Dan, Joseph Volpe of Dover and his girlfriend Christine, and Anthony Volpe of Newark; her treasured great-grandchildren, Adeline, Evelyn, and Isabelle; her dear sisters-in-law Jennie Frey,  Josephine Hamwey and her husband Emile, Connie Sorrento and her husband Chris; brothers-in-law Joseph Blanco and his wife Judy, and the late Emanuel Blanco and his late wife Odessa; her dear 7 nieces and 8 nephews; and many other extended family and friends.

Public Visitation will be held on Friday, February 10^th from 4 – 8 pm with Funeral Service beginning at 7:30 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory Flora here to continue to celebrate the incredible life she bestowed upon us.