Obituary of Grace Elizabeth Malleo

Grace Elizabeth Malleo, 19, of Gladstone, New Jersey, left us far too soon on July 10, 2026.

Born on July 31, 2006, in Morristown, New Jersey, Grace grew up in Gladstone, where she was surrounded by a loving family, lifelong friendships, and the dogs and outdoors she cherished.

Though her time with us was far too short, Grace filled our lives with kindness, thoughtfulness, laughter, curiosity, and a quiet strength that touched everyone who knew her. She had a gentle heart, a thoughtful spirit, and approached the world with empathy, curiosity, and a deep desire to understand both people and the world around her. Grace was wonderfully human: sweet, thoughtful, perceptive, endlessly creative, and uniquely herself.

Grace graduated from Bernards High School in June 2025. During her gap year, she spent time with family and friends while thoughtfully exploring the path she wanted to create for herself. She dreamed of living in Colorado, where she imagined hiking mountain trails, finding peace in nature, and building a life surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.

Grace experienced the world deeply. Through her artwork, photography, and creative spirit, she captured the beauty and humor of everyday life while continually searching for hope, purpose, and peace.

Grace treasured her friendships because relationships meant everything to her. She especially cherished her friends, who brought her laughter, comfort, and countless memories that she carried with her. She was thoughtful in the little things, often doing the small tasks that no one else wanted to do, simply because she wanted to help. She also loved music, finding comfort, inspiration, and happiness in the songs that became part of her everyday life.

Grace found joy in the simple things. She loved animals, especially her Labrador Retrievers, Winnie and Harley, whom she faithfully walked every day. She was a gifted artist whose room was filled with paintings, collages, journals, and mosaics. Creating was not simply something she enjoyed. It was how she expressed what she saw and what she felt. She filled our phones with pictures of her dogs, funny memes, flowers, landscapes, artwork, and the everyday moments that made her smile.

Grace was also a runner. In December 2025, she proudly completed the Big Apple Half Marathon in New York City, an accomplishment that reflected her determination and quiet perseverance.

Even in her passing, Grace continued to give to others through organ and tissue donation. Her final act of generosity will allow others to see, heal, and live more fully, a lasting reflection of the kindness and compassion that defined her life.

Grace is survived by her loving parents, Tracie and Dominic Malleo; her older sister, Sophia; her triplet siblings, Eva and Peter; her grandparents, James and Nancy Biello, Peter and Dawn Malleo, and Cathy Battin; her aunt and uncle, Jackie Biello and Jake Dowden; her aunts, Jody Malleo and Heather Arntz; and her cousins, Iona and Luca Dowden.

Grace's gentle spirit, generous heart, and enduring love for her family, friends, animals, art, music, and the beauty of everyday life will forever remain with those who were blessed to know and love her.

------------------------------------------------------------

Service Info

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 4-8pm at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, 106 Main Street, Madison, NJ. (* A steady flow throughout the Funeral Home will ensure all guests time to pay their respects.) A Funeral Mass for Grace will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 10:00am at Assumption Church, 91 Maple Avenue, Morristown, NJ. 

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in memory of Grace may be made to: Foundation for Morristown Medical Center (Goryeb Children's Hospital) (www.f4mmc.org/donate-now/).