Emma Maria Tarallo

Emma Maria Ritacca-Tarallo (lovingly known as “Nanna” to her grandchildren), 86, passed away peacefully at the home of her son, Ernesto Ritacca, in Henderson, Nevada on January 4, 2025. She was born in Cosenza, Italy on September 23, 1938, and resided in Marano Marchesato, Italy until she moved to Montebello, California in 1962. Emma resided there with her husband, Benito Tarallo, until he passed away in April of 2015.

During her years in Montebello, Emma worked as a hairdresser and seamstress in a clothing factory, and owned several restaurants with her family. In 2017, Emma moved to Henderson, Nevada to be closer to her son and grandchildren.

Emma enjoyed making clothing for herself and loved ones, crocheting (a skill she passed on to her youngest grandchild), and sharing her deliciously prepared meals with all who visited her home.

Emma is survived by her son, Ernesto Ritacca and his wife, Lori Kindel Brown-Ritacca, of Henderson, Nevada; her sister, Maria Debartolo of Chicago, Illinois; her brother, Giovanni Debartolo of Cosenza, Italy; three grandchildren: Ernesto Paulo Ritacca of Bullhead City, Arizona; Michael Ritacca of Henderson, Nevada, and Joselle Ritacca of Henderson, Nevada; two great grandchildren: Ernesto Michael Ritacca of Bullhead City, Arizona and Paulo Ritacca of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews who adored her dearly.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents Carmella Debartolo (Covella) and Ferdinando Debartolo; both of her husband's: Ernesto Ritacca and Benito Tarallo; and her sisters: Minnie Aversa, Franca Turco, Ida Covelli, and Olga Covelli.

A visitation for Emma will be held Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 AM, both at Palm Henderson Mortuary, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015. Emma will be laid to rest in Palm Henderson Cemetery. Emma’s son and daughter-in-law invite family and friends to their home for a reception after the Entombment.