Rita Dolores (DeFebo) Cronin, 96, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2024. She was preceded in death by Arthur (Red) Cronin, her beloved husband of sixty-four years; as well as her infant children, John Philip and Marcia Ann, Son-in-Law Gregory B. Abeln, and eight siblings. Rita was the daughter of the late Warren and Mary (Silvetti) DeFebo, of Berwick, PA.
Rita is survived by her daughter, Mary (Cronin) Abeln of Carlisle; sons Mark (Peggy) Cronin of Earlysille, VA, Michael Cronin of Harrisburg; and granddaughter, Laura Monegan of Mechanicsburg, PA. Also with fond memories of ‘Nana’ are three step grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren.
Rita’s love of family and friends, her strong faith and spirited personality made her life happy and fulfilled.
Her lifelong passion was music. As a teenage girl, she sang with The Silvetti Band and was recorded with them on several records. She also performed as a singer on a Berwick radio station. The studio referred to her on air as “The Lovely Voice of Rita.” She was a member of the Sweet Adeline singing group for over forty years. She sang in the church choirs of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament and St. Catherine Laboure’. She enjoyed regularly playing pinochle, water aerobics at the Friendship Center, St. Catherine’s Coffee Cup Social Hour, and her monthly dinners with St. Catherine’s bereavement group.
Visiting Rita’s house, you were greeted with love and food (lots of food). The kitchen was the soul of her home. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a loving, kind, and caring person. She will always be present as a beautiful and heartfelt melody in our hearts.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Catherine Laboure’ Church, 4000 Derry Street, Harrisburg, on September 11, 2024, at 11:00 am. A viewing will be held from 10:00 am, until the time of service, in the church. Burial will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine Laboure’ Catholic Church, 4000 Derry St, Harrisburg, PA 17111, or to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, 2121 North 3rd St., Harrisburg, PA 17110.
