Rhona May-D'Onofrio

Rhona May D’Onofrio (Thomas), of Medford, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on January 28, 2026, shortly after celebrating her 79th birthday.

Born on January 24, 1947, in New York City, New York, after living in Winthrop for many years, Rhona made Medford her home, where she built a life grounded in family, connection, and purpose. She was a woman of elegance, intelligence, and meticulous attention to detail. Warm and open-hearted, Rhona was known for her generosity, grace, and her instinctive ability to make others feel immediately at home. A gifted nurturer, she consistently went out of her way to support, guide, and uplift those around her.

Rhona carried forward a profound multigenerational legacy of strength and resilience, rooted in the life and example of her mother, Rita May, a Holocaust survivor. This legacy of perseverance, compassion, and determination shaped Rhona’s principles and the way she moved through the world. She honored her parents not only in spirit, but through her work. Rhona was actively involved in The Ralph May Organization, an import-export business, founded by both her parents. She demonstrated integrity, dedication, and deep respect for the foundation built before her, while contributing meaningfully to its continued success.

Rhona was deeply committed to youth development, education, and community engagement. She proudly served on the Board of Eisner Camp, where she believed strongly in the character, confidence, and sense of belonging the program fostered in each camper and participant. Her dedication to nurturing young people and strengthening community institutions was unwavering. In honoring her family’s legacy, Rhona played a meaningful role in naming the Toddler Room at Temple Israel after her mother, Rita May, ensuring that remembrance, service, and volunteerism remained central to future generations. She consistently supported and championed initiatives centered on youth enrichment, education, and giving back, believing deeply in the responsibility to invest in the next generation.

Rhona was also a passionate arts enthusiast, with a deep love for the theater. She supported the performing arts not only through her involvement in the community theater world, but through her steadfast encouragement and dedication to family and friends who performed on stage. Much of her contribution, in the arts and in life, was behind the scenes. In every role she played, Rhona was a steady and generous presence, quietly standing behind those she loved.

Above all else, Rhona was devoted to her family. She took great pride in their accomplishments and supported them wholeheartedly. Her home and her heart were always open, and those welcomed into her life, whether family by birth or by bond, were met with warmth, loyalty, and generosity. Her circle of friends was broad and diverse, reflecting her rare ability to connect deeply with people across all walks of life.

Rhona is survived by her beloved husband, Paul D’Onofrio; her daughters Rebekah May Barkowitz and Danielle May Thomas; their partners Daniel Barkowitz and Scott Morency; and her adored grandchildren Rachel May Romerowitz and her wife Mayra Romerowitz, Reed Barry Romerowitz, and Emma Eloise Driscoll.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Levine Chapel in Brookline. Interment will take place following the service at Temple Israel Cemetery, 500 North Avenue, Wakefield.

In celebration of the colorful life Rhona led and the legacy she leaves behind, attendees are encouraged to wear a splash of purple in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rhona May D’Onofrio’s memory may be made to:

The Rita May Toddler Room at Temple Israel

https://fjecc.org/donation-form

or

Eisner Camp

https://eisnercamp.org/donate/