I just had the most amazing dream about MIss Rita's dance studio and felt compelled to share my great memories of us. Miss Rita taught me dance from age 3 until 10 years old. I remember tumble time in her downstairs studio where I learned to cartwheel and backflip. I did it every week until my legs got too long and hit the ceiling.  I still remember one of the dances that she taught us! Forever missing Miss Rita the ultimate Redskins fan!!

I have many treasured memories of Miss Rita & dance lessons. She inspired confidence in girls on their journeys to womanhood and instilled them with poise and grace along the way. Rest in Peace, Miss Rita. I know you are dancing with God's angels.

I was so sorry to hear that Miss Rita had left us. I have not seen her in many years but have never forgotten the many hours spent in the basement studio of my dear teacher and next door neighbor. My deepest sympathy to the family. I will always have fond memories of Miss Rita, our times with her and all the fun we had!  I know you are in a better place my dear Miss Rita and I hope you dance!
Eileen (Rogers) Grund

Rita Lou was my second dance teacher after her sister Roma Lee who taught me when I was 3, 4 & 5.  Classes were held in their basement in NE Washington with their mother playing the piano.  We all were required to wear uniforms like Rita Lou has on in the slideshow with the bare midriff and little short skirt.  Those were wonderful memories that made a lasting impression.  After all, I'm still dancing!  Thank you Miss Rita Lou.
                                            Jean Wallace Milazzo  (Friendship, MD)
  Ms. Senior Maryland  2011

I can't believe Miss Rita is no longer with us, her infectious laugh & love of life and dance will live on forever. I hope your family can take solice in the fact that you touched so many lives through your dance. And let's not forget her love for the Redskins she liked me even I do like the Cowboys, she just felt sorry for me because of my bad taste in football teams! Love & miss you Miss Rita

Our prayers and thoughts are with you all and may you find comfort and peace with wonderful memories.  Just last week Bill & I drove through New Carrollton and memories were 'sparked' when we drove by houses --and, in particular when we went by Miss Rita's house we commented and wondered how she was doing and now we find out that she is with our Lord, dancing and cheering with the angels in heaven. During this month of November and always, she will be remembered.  With love and much fondness, 
Barbara & Bill Riggs

What a warm and caring lady.  She was a friend to everyone.  She will be missed.

Some of my favorite childhood memories are at Mount Hope dancing with Miss Rita year after year.  She taught me grace and strength and I am forever grateful to have had her in my life.  My thoughts and prayers go out to her family right now.

I was truly saddened when I heard of the passing of Miss Rita. Thank you Miss Rita for sharing your gifted dance talent with my daughter and the many other students you helped to shape and mold as an instructor for the Calvert County Parks and Recreation Division. Your beautiful smile, your limitless energy and your love for dance has left a lasting impression on so many young lives. I will forever remember the many dance recitals at Calvert & Northern High School and how you made them a family affair with everyone pitching in and helping to make each one a success. You will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Miss Connie and the whole family.

we will always remember gram  in one special way. we'll miss her forever and she will never be forgotten in our lives gram is  going to be deeply missed. kelsie bartholomew (Huntingtown, MD)

I felt privileged to be the only student in my class who got to call Miss Rita "Aunt Rita."  I have many happy memories of dance class and loved dressing up for recitals and performances at Magnolia nursing home.  I'll miss you, Aunt Rita.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Cocchiaro family.  As my neighbor for 10 years and daughter's dance instructor, Rita had a such a passion for life, and kind heart. She will be truely missed by the New Carrollton community and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Miss Rita will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her. St. Mary's will not be the same without her. I loved watching her dance with the little ones in the gym. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family.

My sincere condolences to all of Miss Rita's family.  So many people will miss this delightful person,loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

My sincere condolences to Connie and family. Although I haven't seen her since I was a teenager, I will never forget Mrs.Cocchiaro. She was always so nice to me and always made me feel very welcomed in her home.

I have many fond childhood memories of dance lessons in Miss Rita's studio.  My prayers and condolences to the family and many dance students whose lives were touched by this remarkable woman.

Our condolences to the Cocchiaro family and friends.  Miss Rita will be missed by not only me, but my daughter and my niece.  The three of us took dance lessons from age three on. I credit her for my love of the stage for many years after I stopped attending her dance classes...

Connie, Lenny and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. What a life your Mom lived.....so talented and energetic....Redskins #1 Fan.....She's gonna have them cheering in Heaven.....Love JoJo

Miss Rita was a great teacher...go with God...You will be missed.  Patty Popolo Bryant

 Miss Rita was a wonderful woman, neighbor, and friend.  I will miss her -  I  loved talking to her when I had a chance - she usually took the lead and could talk faster than I could.  My prayers are with you.       Jean Fippin, New Carrollton

Thank you Aunt Rita for embracing and inspiring us all with your beautiful charismastic spirit! There will always be a special place in our hearts for you! And one more thing.....GO SKINS!!

Please accept our family's condolences. Miss Rita was such a positive part of so many of our lives. She will be deeply missed by all of us.

Miss Rita was such a kind person...I too spent 10 years dancing in her basement, participating in recitals, learning the hula in the summer...and loving her infectious laugh...  So sad the one who gave such wonderful memories to a child has left us...but rejoice knowing she is dancing in heaven with the angels!  To the family, I hope your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.

My memories of Miss Rita are old but not at all faded.  Dance on, Miss Rita, dance on...

Thank you Ms. Rita for sharing your passion with so many. You were a true inspiration. I am certain you are dancing with the angels. RIP Ms. Rita

My deepest sympathy to Gina and her entire family on the loss of your dear Rita.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Miss Rita was s living legend, especially for the children of New Carrollton.  She was a wonderful teacher and friend.  Our condolences to all of you.  She will be greatly missed.

                                                                    Peggy and Charles Mulchi

Ms. Rita, your joy and zest for life were always apparent. Our family was so very honored to be a tiny part of your life. You brought much joy to our lives and made our daughter smile every Saturday morning. We'll miss you, and our daughter misses dancing with you. Keep dancing in heaven, and we'll see you at the pool again someday.

So sorry to hear about Rita, what a great lady she is and a happy,strong person. God bless you and the family. love Regis

Miss Rita was a wonderful part of so many of our lives.  She not only taught us to dance, she taught us to enjoy life.  Her teachings and spirit helped shaped the women we became as adults.  She was a wonderful mother, sister, grandmother, friend, mentor, teacher, and let's not forget, Redskins fan!  We'll miss her smiling face.  Thanks for the memories!  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I will keep her and your family in my prayers always.

A Song for Miss Rita
"Lord of the Dance" (changed lyrics)
Rest in Peace -- you will be greatly missed!


"Dance then, wherever you may be,
I am the teacher of the dance," said she,
"And I'll lead you all wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the dance," said she.

They cut me down, but I lept up high.
"I am full of the life and will never never die
And I'll live in you if you'll live in me.
I am the teacher of the dance," said she.

"Dance then, wherever you may be,
I am the teacher of the dance," said she,
"And I'll lead you all wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the dance," said she...

Ms. Rita was a rare gem. She had a warm heart, a joy of life, and a most infectious laugh. She will be greatly missed. May our thoughts and prayers bring you comfort.

Our condolences to the family from St. Ann Hagerstown, Maria's new extended family.

Miss Rita brought true joy to the NC Pool with her bright smile and positive spirit.  You couldn't help but smile when she was around!  Her generosity made for many fun times at the beach.  May many fond memories bring you all comfort at this most challenging time.  You'll all be in my thoughts and prayers!

I just can't get my head around the thought that there will be no more dancing at Miss Rita's house on Lamont Drive.  If that basement studio could talk, think of the how many tales it could tell!  Miss Rita touched the lives of so many young dancers and their parents and families.  She will be missed greatly.  Our condolences to the Cindy, Jimmy, and the whole family. --Diane, Dave, Andrea and Emily

Miss Rita was one of my earliest memories as my dance teacher 40 years ago - and then my friend as Jimmy's wife Cindy became one of my best friends.  I will miss Gram.

Your whole family is in our prayers.  May you find comfort in the Lord during this time of great sorrow.  We smile when we remember Rita and the joy she  had and shared so easily.  Our sympathy in your loss.  Dan & Toni Baden

My sincer condolences go out to the entire family.  Gram was a wonderful lady and I'm glad to say that I knew her.  May she always dance.......

To the entire Cocchiaro family I send my deepest condolences to you all.  I can't express how sad I am at the passing of my dear Miss Rita.  She was such a huge part of my life for many, many years.  Her passion for life and her love of dance had such an impact in my life.  I am and will forever be grateful for all the time that I spent in your basement dancing with her.  Not only was she my dance teacher for most of my life, but also a dear friend.  The world has lost a wonderfully giving and compassionate person and heaven has gained a beautiful new angel.  I will miss her smile and her laugh, but she will never be forgotten.  Miss Rita and the dance that she taught me brought true joy and peace to my life.  I love you, Miss Rita!  Hugs to all her family.

Ms. Rita brought so much joy to our lives and the lives of our girls. We will greatly miss her. You will always be in our hearts. Thanks for sharing your love of dancing and for giving so much of yourself to our girls. May God bless your family during this difficult time. Rest in peace dear Ms. Rita.

Rita, times at the pool are not the same without you.  Your humor kept everybody lively and laughing.  Your love of life and laighter are a gift not all of us have, but one that is special just like you!  You will be remembered always.

I will miss my dear friend, Rita.  I am sorry that I will not be in town for the services.  I am on the west coast visiting my daughter.

My heart goes out to the entire Cocchiaro family; my deepest condolences to everyone. I have not seen you all for awhile and did not know about Miss Rita's illness until last night when Diane Blaine Haik contacted me.  I have never stopped thinking fondly about dear Miss Rita, my next door neighbor, dance teacher, confidante, and friend throughout my childhood and teenage years. Miss Rita did so much for me through her passion for dance and life. She was absolutely devoted to her family, friends, and students and what a difference she made in so many of our lives just by being who she was and doing what she loved! Miss Rita will be missed and never forgotten. I am blessed to have known her and she will live forever in my heart.

Jimmy, Cindy, Maria, Anna, Julia and Phil, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Gram was truly a wonderful woman who will be deeply missed. We are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers. The Yanchulis Family

I can't beleive Miss Rita is gone but she will never be forgotten.  Thank you for sharing your dancing talent with my daughters.  I am forever grateful because you made a difference in their lives.  Rest in Peace...Annette, Olivia, Julia; Erica and Michael

Our sincere condolences.  Mary, Joe, Vivian, Jackie, Timmy

Miss Rita will be deeply missed by all. She touched so many lives through dance and her love of life, those memories will keep her forever in our hearts.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family

OBITUARY

Rita Lou Cocchiaro

October 25, 1928 – October 31, 2011

Robert E. Evans Funeral Home

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