Losing someone you love changes every part of life, including what to do with the treasured belongings they leave behind. For many families, those possessions hold countless memories that are difficult to part with. After his wife, Roberta Ronco, passed away, Carl Ronco faced that same emotional challenge. Instead of placing everything into storage or giving it away, he found a meaningful way to preserve her memory while helping others. By transforming her cherished belongings into a source of support for animals in need, Carl discovered that love and compassion can continue making a difference long after a person is gone.
With the help of his neighbor, Victoria Masia, Carl created an online shop called “Grammie’s Boutique.” The store gives Roberta’s belongings a second life while turning every sale into support for homeless animals. Masia said Roberta had collected many treasured items over the years, from jewelry and glassware to clothing, shoes, and decorative keepsakes. Together, she and Carl carefully sorted through everything, listing each item for sale across several online platforms.
Over the past few years, they have sold well over 1,000 items. Every purchase not only gives a meaningful object a new home but also carries forward the kindness that defined Roberta’s life. Carl says his wife loved every living creature she met.
“It didn’t matter if it was a dog or a person. She loved everybody, loved everything,” he shared.
A Lasting Tribute That Helps Animals
Rather than keeping the proceeds, Carl and Masia donate every dollar raised through Grammie’s Boutique to the Somerset Humane Society. Their years of dedication recently reached an incredible milestone when they presented the shelter with a $10,000 donation during one of its fundraising events.
The gift will help support construction of the organization’s new facility, giving rescued animals a safer, more comfortable place to recover while allowing the shelter to expand its services for the community. For the staff at the humane society, Carl has become much more than a generous donor.
Executive Director Bonnie Brooks said everyone has grown fond of seeing him and described him as a kind and thoughtful person whose commitment has touched both the staff and the animals they care for. The donation represents countless hours spent photographing, listing, packing, and shipping items. Behind every sale is a quiet act of remembrance that keeps Roberta’s generous spirit alive.
Carl’s connection to animals has also grown through his wife’s influence. While he had owned three dogs during his life, he says Roberta introduced him to a deep appreciation for cats as well. Her love for animals became part of his own, and today it continues to shape the work he does.
Each item sold serves as another reminder that compassion can outlive a person. Something as ordinary as a pair of shoes or a piece of jewelry becomes part of a much larger story, helping provide care, shelter, and hope for animals waiting for loving homes. Although raising money for the humane society is deeply rewarding, Carl says the greatest comfort comes from knowing Roberta’s kindness is still making a difference in the world.
He believes every donation reflects the love she shared so freely throughout her life. Thinking about that gives purpose to every package shipped and every item sold.
“If she’s watching,” Carl said, “she’s proud.”
His quiet tribute shows that even in the midst of grief, it is possible to create something hopeful. By turning cherished belongings into opportunities to help vulnerable animals, Carl has ensured that his wife’s legacy continues to touch lives, one sale and one rescued animal at a time.
