Rita Immacolata Pontiero

Rita Immacolata Pontiero, known by all those who adored her as “Mama Rita”, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2023, after a brief illness. At only 81 years young, she will be greatly missed by so many!

Mama Rita was born on January 2, 1942, in Cariati, Calabria Italy, a small town by the sea. She did many things as a young lady including working as a seamstress. She grew up with the love of opera, Pavarotti being one of her favorites. This passion for music and dance continued throughout her life. Rita could be found dancing a jig or singing an Italian song while traveling to many wonderful places with her beloved daughter, Maria.

On Oct 30th, 1965, at the age of 23, Mama married Charles (Gaetano) Pontiero in Laurignano, Cosenza Italy. She embarked on a huge adventure making her way to the United States with Charles. Mama was shocked when they arrived to her new home, a farm in the small town of Kimball, South Dakota, to find there was no indoor plumbing but a lovely outhouse instead! This did not hinder Mama Rita. She began working at a local truck stop called Chef Rudy’s to earn money and make sure she had indoor plumbing. Not only did Mama Rita become a favorable chef and baker over the years in South Dakota, she also became a woman of many trades on the farm. She would brand, vaccinate, castrate and attend to most needs with the livestock. Mama always kept busy continuing to sew and work at local truck stops/restaurants as a chef. Mama was recognized for her beautiful catering jobs and decorative cakes. She even won two awards for her delicious carrot cake! On March 11, 1976, Mama became a United States citizen.

Maria has many fond memories of growing up on the farm. Her classmates loved coming to the farm for birthday and slumber parties. Mama would make a beautifully decorated cake and homemade pizza. Maria’s friends would giggle, as Mama would use scissors to cut the pizza!

After her husband retired from the farm, they moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where their daughter, Maria, lived. In 2005, Maria and Mama Rita opened Nucci’s Bistro, offering homemade Italian meals and gelato. Mama Rita and Maria had the bistro for 7 long hard working years. Nucci’s was a Sioux Falls favorite and many people came in to eat Mama’s delicious foods including tomato basil soup, lasagna, and don’t forget her amazing meatballs!

In 2009, Charles passed away. Maria and Mama Rita decided in winter of 2012 that it was time for Mama to retire and for Maria to go back to school to become a registered nurse.

Mama was always known for jokes and pranks throughout the years. She loved babysitting and making treats for friends’ children. After retirement, she continued to stay active, always going to the gym, baking/cooking, attending church, and traveling with her daughter. Mama spent another 10 years in Sioux Falls before moving to Denver, CO in 2021 to be close to her daughter, Maria.

Mama Rita is survived by her daughters, Maria and Alessia, granddaughter, Selina, and brother, Giuseppe.

Ciao Bella to you sweet Mama Rita! You will forever be in our hearts!

In lieu of flowers, we would love donations to support a local, non-profit organization helping those in need of access to nutritious foods here in Denver. Can donate at www.metrocaring.org

Or support local artists at Front Range Theatre Company https://www.frontrangetheatre.org/support-us.html

A funeral service for Rita will be held Friday, August 25, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Risen Christ Catholic Church, 3060 S. Monaco Parkway, Denver, CO 80222.

Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the Pontiero family.