Obituaries
Gina (Zullo) Riha obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven
Gina (Zullo) Riha obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven
Gina (Zullo) Riha, 66 of East Haven passed away February 13, 2026 at Yale New Haven Hospital with her family by her side. She was born September 1, 1959 in New Haven to Nicholas and Mary (Grillo) Zullo. Gina is survived by her three loving children; Peter Riha Jr. of Milford, Raffaela Riha (Joseph Talmadge) of Albany VT and Michael Riha of New Haven along with four grandchildren she adored; Jayden Riha, Gregory Talmadge, Griffin Talmadge and Santino Riha. Gina is also survived by her former husband, Peter Riha of Albany, VT and siblings; Rosalie Milano (Anthony) of East Haven, Blaise Zullo of West Haven and Nicholas Zullo of New Haven and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gina is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, John Zullo.
She had a passion for fashion and worked as a hairdresser for many years. Known for her brightest nails and her ever-present large purse, she carried herself with a bold and vibrant spirit. In recent years, she found joy in making handmade bracelets and decorative pens, gifting them as small but meaningful tokens of her love.
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Thirteen years ago, she courageously embraced sobriety, carrying that journey with grace and determination — one of her proudest accomplishments.
Her greatest joy was her family. She cherished her time in Vermont with her daughter and adored her grandchildren beyond measure. Being “Mama G” was one of the greatest blessings of her life. In her final 3 months, she fought cancer the same way she lived — boldly, bravely, and with unwavering strength.
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She will be remembered for her laughter, her style, her resilience, her fierce love for her family and the courage she embodied every day. Her legacy lives on in all who were blessed to know her.
Family and friends are invited to meet and attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday February 21, 2026 at 11 AM in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 80 Taylor Ave., East Haven. Please go directly to the church on Saturday. All services are under the care of the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Burial will be private.
