Ann Dolores Pallo

Ann Pallo, age 100, a longtime resident of Costa Mesa, California, passed away on Sunday May 22, 2022.   Her parents, Joseph and Anna Tropea, had immigrated to the United States from Sicily, Italy.  They settled in Cleveland, Ohio and raised a family consisting of Ann, Marie, and Robert.  It was at John Adams High School that Ann met her future husband, George Pallo.  George and Ann had three sons of their own, George Jr. (Wanda), Robert (Rhonda) and Joseph.

In 1962 the Pallo family moved to Costa Mesa, California.  She used to describe Costa Mesa as a small college town surrounded by orange groves.  Over the years she saw the city grow into a nationwide destination.  After George’s retirement from ITT Jabsco Products, Ann and George toured California in their motor home and took many wonderful international trips which brought them to Mexico City, and cities and towns in Europe.  Tragically, in 1992 George suffered an untimely death while Ann and George were visiting Lucerne, Switzerland.

Ann was very devoted to her family and especially her grandchildren, Deanna, Matthew, Dustin, Carly, Sarah, and Annie.  She enjoyed special relationships with her great-grandchildren, Abby, Alexandra, Joelle, Mary Lynn, Ryan,Trevor, Caleb and Jacob. 

Ann was much loved in her neighborhood and looked forward to celebrating her birthday each year.  She was very determined to live to at least 100 years old.  Last September she reached that goal and celebrated at the church hall of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in which she was a member since her arrival in Costa Mesa.  She was honored by the presence of Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens and said on many occasions, “I can’t believe the mayor would attend my birthday party in person.”  She received greetings and congratulations from Governor Gavin Newsom, Supervisor Katrina Foley and Costa Mesa City Council Member Manuel Chavez.  She was honored to receive an Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness Pope Francis. 

Ann will be missed by all that knew her.  When asked what the secret to a long live would be, she stated simply that one should take each day at a time, and oh yes, keep breathing.

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