Former longtime Massapequa resident and loving family matriarch Raphelina "Ronnie" Dillon died Feb. 18, 2008 in Ormond Beach, Florida. She was 88, and dedicated her life to caring for her family and home.

"She was a friend to everyone she ever knew and was devoted to her family," said her daughter, Barbara Waller of North Massapequa.

Born in New York City, she moved to Massapequa with her husband, Frederick. For more than 30 years she lived on Pittsburgh Avenue in Massapequa, before retiring to Ormond Beach, Florida in 1991.

Mrs. Dillon leaves behind her husband, Frederick; her other daughters: Patricia Sacino of Florida, Carol Carnelli of of Florida and Kathleen of Amityville; 13 grandchildren; and one great grandchild; her siblings: Connie Tedeschi and Frank Yosso as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She reposed at the James Funeral Home in Massapequa. A Funeral Mass was said on Feb. 23, 2008 at St. William the Abbot R.C. Church in Seaford. Interment followed in the Long Island National Cemetery at Pinelawn.