Domenica "Mona" DiGrado

Domenica “Mona” DiGrado, 95, of Wanaque, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 7, 1931, she was the beloved daughter of Carmella and Michael Iannelli.

Mona graduated from Lafayette High School in Brooklyn in 1949 and later went on to earn her Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies from Rockland Community College in 1991. In the early 1950s, she began her professional life as a legal secretary in New York City. Like many women of her generation, she stepped away from her career to raise her five children, returning to the workforce in 1973. Over the years she advanced into paralegal work, ultimately retiring from Rockland County government in 1996 after a long and dedicated career.

A woman of profound faith, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family, Mona built her life around serving others. At just 18, she became the youngest Girl Scout leader at St. Finbar Parish in Brooklyn, beginning what would become decades of volunteer work supporting children and families. Her commitment to the Girl Scouts endured for many years, and in retirement she continued to give her time to numerous community organizations.

Mona raised her family in Rockland County before moving to Wanaque, New Jersey. She was predeceased by her cherished husband, Joe, after 66 years of marriage. She is survived by her children: Camille (Jerry) Mikorenda, Monica (Frank) Fassler, Joseph (Deb), Michele, and Paul (Marta) DiGrado; her grandchildren Nicole, Gabrielle, and Michael; and sister in law Gail Iannelli. She was predeceased by her brothers, Michael and Frank Paul Iannelli, and sister in law, Diane.

Visitation will be held on July 6, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, Suffern, NY. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Parish Church in Nanuet, with burial afterward at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wanaque Feeds the Hungry

https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/wanaque-feeds-the-hungry/wfth_2025

or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

https://alzfdn.org/donate/ .