Marguerite "Rita" Franco

In her younger years, Rita had a love for dancing and spent many fun evenings at the Polish American Club and the Crescent Beach Clubhouse.

She dedicated over 40 years of her career to the Hartford Insurance Company, where she worked as an executive secretary.

Following her retirement, Rita enjoyed traveling with her longtime friend Rita Landerfin, who predeceased her. Her journeys took her to many destinations, including Italy and several paddlewheel cruises down the Mississippi River and St. Lawrence Seaway.

She was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, and UCONN men's and women's basketball.

She was predeceased by her parents Mary (Parente) Franco and Joseph Franco, her five sisters Antoinette and Rose Franco, Jennie Krar, Mildred Bonk, Minnie DelMastro, and her brother Thomas Franco.

She is survived by her beloved nephew and nieces, including Daniel DelMastro of Glastonbury, Kathy Santos of Vernon, Linda Franco of Manchester, Patricia Stigliano of Newington, Rosemary Bozenhard of Ocean, New Jersey, Carol Smith of Simsbury, and longtime friend James Dowling of East Hartford.

There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 15 Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford, on Monday May 4th at 10:00 am. Burial to follow at St. Mary's cemetery, 930 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford.

The family would like to thank her longtime aide, Philomena, for the dedication, compassion, and love she has given Rita in her final months.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.