Rita Sanzo

Rita (Smith) Sanzo, 82, of Brooksville, Florida, beloved wife of the late Francis M. Sanzo, passed away May 15, 2012. She was born October 25, 1930 in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of the late Henry and Rose Smith. She attended Mount St. Joseph’s Academy and was a an accountant for the Hartford Board of Education, a job she loved almost as much as she loved being mother to her three children.

Rita married the love of her life and dance partner, Francis Sanzo, bringing their nine children together. She is the beloved mother of Marilyn Dupuis and her husband Ulric Dupuis of Florida, Richard Daiello and his wife Susan Daiello of Vernon, and Virginia St. Louis of Stafford Springs. Her extended family with Frank also includes Maryann Coltey and her husband Jack Coltey of Florida, Frank Sanzo and his wife Connie Sanzo of Arizona, Ruth Sanzo of Florida, Patrick Sanzo and his wife Michelle Sanzo of Connecticut, Salvatore Sanzo and his wife Donna Sanzo of Connecticut, and Lynn Wilson and her husband James Wilson of Florida. She is the cherished grandmother to 23 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Rita was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, a consummate hostess and organizer, a thoughtful and loving friend to many. She will be remembered for her bubbly personality, inquisitive nature and intense love and loyalty to her family. Cooking was her passion and a way to bring family and friends together. Rita’s kitchen was a place to share life’s joys and troubles and where unconditional love, advice, and laughter were served up in heaping portions.

Funeral services will begin on Tuesday, May 22 at 8:30am, at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford, CT, followed by the funeral liturgy at 10am, at St. Mary’s Church in East Hartford. Interment will immediately follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Burnside Avenue in East Hartford. Family and friends may call on Monday, May 21, from 5pm to 8pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send donations in Rita’s memory to Diabetes research.

To leave an online condolence or visit Rita’s tribute, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com