Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ellen A. Alfonso (Leach), 79, who left this world peacefully on April 4, 2025, in Summerfield, FL. She was born on September 11, 1945, to the late Robert and Eleanor Leach (White). She grew up in Hartsdale, NY, and graduated from Ardsley High School and secretarial school. In 1978, Ellen married the love of her life, the late Robert J. Alfonso Sr., and they lived a wonderful life together until his passing in 2019.
Ellen and Robert moved from the city and bought a beautiful log home in rural Blairstown, New Jersey. In her free time, she enjoyed entertaining family and friends, reading, needlepoint, crafts, traveling, and playing Yahtzee. Ellen was an avid lover of cats and Disney movies. After a long career as an executive secretary at a law firm in Hackettstown, NJ, Ellen and her husband followed their dream to retire in Florida.
Ellen is predeceased by her parents, Robert Leach and Eleanor Leach (White); brother, Jeffrey Leach; husband, Robert J. Alfonso Sr.; stepsons, John Alfonso and Dominick Alfonso, and grandson, Michael Alfonso. Ellen is survived by her sister, Barbara Cornell; nephews, Christopher Cornell and Dennis Cornell; 4 great nieces and nephews; stepchildren, Robert J. Alfonso and Donna Rapoli; grandchildren, Amanda Rapoli, Jessica Rapoli, Melissa Rapoli, Robyn Alfonso, and Michelle Alfonso-Vickers; and eight beautiful great-grandchildren who will grow up hearing stories about their fantastic grandma.
Ellen was a strong woman with a big heart, a warm spirit, and a personality that could light up any room. She was the kind of person who made you feel at home, whether you had known her for years or just met her. Above all, Ellen valued and loved her family and friends deeply. She was a loving mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, and aunt. Ellen showed up for people. Ellen loved deeply, laughed loudly, and gave some of the best advice—whether you wanted to hear it or not.
She leaves behind many memories, a lot of love, and a reminder to all of us to be strong, stay kind, and find joy where we can. She will be missed more than words can express, but her spirit is not going anywhere.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday April 18th from 11-1 PM at Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation 3990 E SR 44, Suite 105, Wildwood, FL 34769.








Sincere condolences to all her family! Love, Barbara & Pat Welsh
Robert and Ellen’s Wedding Day