It is with heavy hearts yet profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our beloved Mom, Rita Schmelz, who departed this world on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Surrounded by the warmth and love of her family in Manchester, NJ, Rita peacefully transitioned to her eternal rest.
Born on October 24, 1923, in New York, NY, Rita was the cherished daughter of John and Irene Giolito. Growing up in Paramus, NJ, Rita attended Ridgewood High School before making her home in West New York.
Rita's journey through life was beautifully intertwined with love, beginning with a chance meeting on the tennis courts of Hudson County Park in North Bergen, NJ. There, she met the love of her life, Frank, and their union was sealed less than a year later in matrimony. Their bond remained unbreakable for an incredible 70 years.
Throughout her professional career, Rita worked with grace and dedication in an administrative role at Prentice Hall Publishing Company for 22 years.
The legacy of Rita's love extends beyond her, touching the lives of her devoted children, Frank and Barbara Schmelz, Rita and Ralph Liguori, and Carol and Brian Harris. Her memory lives on in the hearts of her grandchildren, Frank and Amy Schmelz, Steven and Madeleine Schmelz, Michael and Jessica Liguori, Vincent and Zuhal Liguori, Lisa and Billy Fodor, Tyler Harris, and Connor Harris.
She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Oona Schmelz-Darling, Layla Liguori, Frankie Liguori, Michael Liguori, Mia Fodor, and William Fodor and her (late) sister Betty Weikel.
Rita's life will be celebrated with a funeral service on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 AM at the chapel of St. John’s Catholic Church, 619 Chestnut St., Lakehurst NJ, followed by a Mass of Christian Murial from 11 to 11:45 AM. A burial service will take place on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 10 AM at Cedar Lawn Cemetery, 200 McLean Blvd., Paterson, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you consider honoring Rita's memory by sharing a cherished memory or photograph on our tribute page at www.andersoncampbellmanchester.com
Though Rita may have left this earthly realm, her love and light will continue to guide and inspire us all. May she rest in eternal peace, forever cherished and remembered.
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