Rita Minotto

Born in West Reading, PA. She was the last surviving child of Evelyn L. (Gehrleindaub) and Leroy T. Schwartz.

Rita was a homemaker, as well as a professional dancer. She took lessons for various styles of dance beginning at the age of 4 at the Marie Shaw School of Dance. Continuing through her school years, she even taught younger girls while in high school. After graduation, she toured with the Marie Shaw Dancers. During this time, they had the opportunity to appear with several celebrities of the era, including Eddie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, and Sammy Davis Jr. They also performed for Senator John F. Kennedy in Washington D.C. She last worked with the Holliday Girls Dance Troupe, traveling to Chicago, New York City, the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, NJ, and various other cities.

She was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, Exeter Twp.

Rita was a member of the Catholic Women's Club of Reading and was also in charge of fashion shows and events. For over 40 years she led Dancercize at Berks Encore senior center. She had many friends over the years, with whom she loved to socialize.

Above all, Rita was a loving and generous mother, and grandmother. Her family has innumerable special memories of how she enriched their lives. She was very active in their lives. Whether it was helping with Cub Scouts, or being a taxi-mom for the assorted activities they enjoyed, she wanted to be there for her children.

She was such a light at every gathering, always looking forward to holidays together. She also entertained others with many humorous stories of her dancing career. She loved to write poetry, and wrote an abundance of poems throughout her life, for many occasions.

She was always smiling and ready to listen to anyone. She had courage and was able to overcome struggles by trusting God. She taught her family how to persevere.

Rita was a very kind individual, so accepting and non-judgemental. She had the gift of encouragement and was instrumental in helping many other people in the AA program.

Her grandchildren lovingly called her “Nanny”. She was creative, and crocheted beautiful decorative items and countless blankets and lap covers for family, and to give away. She also made an immeasurable amount of rosaries that were always shared with others.

She was a unique and beautiful soul, and her presence here will be missed tremendously. However, we know that she is rejoicing with her Holy Father in Heaven, and that brings great comfort. She is also probably organizing a line-up of some of the angels to do high kicks, and tap dance, which brings a smile.

She is survived by her children, Cynthia L., wife of James Milligan of OH; Michael A., husband of Debra K. Minotto of Reading; Daniel J., husband of Linda H. Minotto of Ephrata; and Augustus R."Rick", husband of Lori A. Minotto of Mohrsville.

Rita is survived by 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and one on the way. She is predeceased by her brothers Nick, Gerald, and John Schwartz.

Funeral Services will be held at the Auman Funeral Home, Reiffton. 390 West Neversink Rd. Reading PA. 19606.

A viewing will be held at the funeral home from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday October 30, 2024 at the Auman Funeral Home, Reiffton. Service to follow at 10:30 a.m.

Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery, Reading.PA.

Arrangements by Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home, Inc. 111 North Reading Ave. Boyertown, PA. 19512.