Rita Anna Szalkowski Levanto

Norwich – Rita Levanto 94 of Norwich passed away on February 7 at her home, after being visited by her immediate family. She was born in Norwich, December 15, 1921, daughter of Francis and Stephanie Dryzba Szalkowski. She was married to her life long dance partner, John Levanto on April 15, 1944.

She attended Elizabeth St. School, and Norwich Free Academy. Leaving NFA she worked for Hamilton Standard Propeller during the war. She also worked for the state of CT driving blind teachers, Elaine’s gift shop, and Bright Beginnings Day Care. Rita was member of the Woman’s City Club of Norwich and volunteered at Backus Hospital and Spirit of Broadway.

Rita loved sports. She loved bowling, becoming an instructor. She was an avid golfer, playing at Pautipaug and Norwich CCs. She had 3 hole-in-ones. She loved watching sporting events when her sons, grandsons or great grandchildren were playing.

Her life centered around her family, neighbors and friends. She exercised at the Rose City Senior Center. She never missed church. She loved working in her flower gardens. For years Rita and John spent winters in Florida.

She is survived by her son David, his wife Bonnie, and daughter-in-law Reggie. Also surviving are grandsons Mark (wife Lori-Ann), Scott (wife Gina), Ross, Brett (wife Holly), and great grandchildren Jack, Madalyn, Frank, David, Peter, and Ellarene. She has 6 nephews and 10 nieces.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son Charles, and brothers Raymond, Frank (Hoxie), Edward, and sisters Josephine Jaczynski, and Dorothy Mitchell.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 19th from 7pm-9pm at Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., Norwich, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Feb 20th at 10:30am at the Cathedral of St Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT meeting directly at the church. Interment will be private

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Cancer Society, Hospice, or St Patrick’s Cathedral School.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com