On Tuesday June 15, 2021, my brother and our dear friend, Lou Rallo, passed away peacefully in his sleep. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Lou graduated from West Orange High School and Montclair State College.

Lou loved his career teaching students at Long Branch High School in Industrial and Graphics Arts. Lou was very proud to be one of the original members of the Long Branch chapter of the American Federation of Teachers. At home, Lou spent much time making beautifully creative pieces of art out of wood turned on his lathe, creating wire sculptures and tending to his beloved fig trees.

Music was not just a part of Lou’s life, but a part of his whole being. He would often turn off the sound of sports games, put on some music and watch an amazing performance being played before him. He was an avid collector of thousands of records from Rhythm and Blues, 50’s Rock and Roll, Doo Wop, Jazz, Gospel and Soul. Once a week for over 20 years he hosted The Big Beat Radio Show on WRSU Rutgers, which was heard and enjoyed locally and whose archives can still be heard on the internet around the world.

Lou was a man of integrity, honesty and bright intellect. He was kind, thoughtful, resilient and gentle with enough love in his heart for everyone he met. His personal motto was “Harmony and Peace.”

He is survived by his best friend and wife Ellen Halsband, his brother David and sister-in-law Josefina. He was preceded in death by his parents Vito and Mary Rallo and his brother Thomas V. Rallo.

Condolences may be offered on July 8, 2021 from 10:00-12:00 followed by a memorial service celebrating Lou’s life from 12:00-1:00PM at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell St., Long Branch, NJ 07740

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Lou Rallo Scholarship For the Arts & Music to be awarded to a graduate of the 2022 class of Long Branch High School at https://gofund.me/0eb84c9f.