Born in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late Gaetano and Mary (Maccarone) Polselli.
A graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, Rita went on to co-own and operate Marzilli’s Bakery in Fall River for over 30 years.
Rita was a former member of the Sons of Italy and Holy Rosary Church. She enjoyed music, good food, and especially spending time with her beloved family.
Rita is survived by two children, Laurence “Larry” Ciolfi and his wife Terri of Seekonk and Maria Ciolfi-Abrams of Phoenix, AZ; four grandchildren, Ari and Jordan Abrams and Jacob and Thomas Ciolfi; three siblings, Mario Polselli of CA, Father Leo Polselli, C.S.C. of Easton and Anna Lucciola of Fall River, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was mother of the late Steven Ciolfi, sister of the late Armand, Amato, Eugene, Gaetano and Anthony Polselli and mother-in-law of the late James Abrams.
Her family would like to extend a very special thank you to Rita’s devoted caregivers for their exceptional care, Rodline, Dee, Roberta, Carina, Suzanne and Jummy.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022 from 8:00 to 9:30 AM in Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St, Fall River followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Spring St, Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita’s honor may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Fall River, 803 Bedford St, Fall River, MA 02723.
