OBITUARY
Rita Kellenbence
July 12, 1928 – February 15, 2021
Rita Kellenbence passed away on February 15, 2021, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. She is survived by Henry, her husband of almost 69 years, her daughter, Susan Messner and son-in-law, Edward and son, Wayne and daughter-in-law, Maryjane. Rita was the loving grandmother to Jeff Messner and his wife Debbie and Chris, James, and Nick Kellenbence and their wives, Katee, Caroline, and Cristina. She was also the beloved great-grandmother to Julia, Jackson, Robby, Danny, Emme, Claire, Henry, Jack, and Ella. Rita will be greatly missed by her sister, Gloria Koellhoffer and sister-in-law, Marcy Kellenbence. Rita was born in Newark, New Jersey in July, 1928 to Martin Losi and Julia Cardillo Losi and lived in Newark until her marriage in 1952 when she moved to Belleville, N.J. and lived for almost 35 years. Later, she moved to Manahawkin, New Jersey where she volunteered at Southern Ocean Medical Center for 25 years. Rita was a wonderful homemaker, wife, and mother, and never too busy to make a halloween costume, drive to a school event, play a game of mah jongg, or take a bus ride to Atlantic City. Rita had countless friends because Rita was a friend to everyone. Services will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southern Ocean Medical Center, Manahawkin, New Jersey 08050. Thos L Shinn Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to our web site at www.shinnfuneralhome.com
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Rita Kellenbence
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ADD A MEMORYDenise Koellhoffer
February 22, 2021
Uncle Henry, Susan, Wayne and in laws and grandchildren. I just spoke to my mother in law, Gloria. She told me of aunt Rita’s passing. I am so sorry to hear this. I loved Aunt Rita snd a phone call right before this pandemic hit I said I wanted to drive down to see her and Uncle Henry. Then we locked down and that didn’t happen. My heart hurts for all of you. Such a special lady and I know Keith adored her and Uncle Henry. Always spoke of them both. Please let me know when there will be a service. I want to attend. Love to all of you, Denise.
Marlene Ryan
February 22, 2021
To the family,
So sorry to hear of Cousin Rita’s passing. Our condolences to Henry, Susan, Wayne and their families.
Rita was a such a warm, loving and cheerful person. She will be missed.
Sincerely,
Marlene and Duncan.
Carol and Dave Deyo
February 21, 2021
We are so sorry and sad for the loss of Aunt Rita. I have so many happy wonderful memories of her. I will always remember the visits and holidays our families spent together when we were young that only got to be more fun as we got older. Visiting Aunt Rita here is Florida is such a fun memory. She was always glad to see us. No matter how long between visits it was like we just saw each other last week. we all just picked up where we left off. One of the highlights of our visits was when Aunt Rita and my brother Marty would start their joke-a-thon. They both knew how to tell a joke and that kept us all in stitches. This world is not the same without Aunt Rita. We pray for Uncle Henry, Susan, Wayne and their families to have peace and comfort.
With Love, Carol & Dave
Rocco Cuozzo
February 19, 2021
My condolences to the entire family. Rita was a gem and a great mother. She was like my second mother. I have fond memories of Rita taking us to Bonds for ice cream and then playing the alphabet game on the way home. She would love to make us biscuits for a snack. I would love to visit in the morning when Rita was having coffee and doing the crossword puzzle. We would play the dictionary game before it was ever invented. God Bless. Rita was the best. Rocco Cuozzo
Barbara Cortellinoi
February 19, 2021
My deepest sympathy to Henry and his family. Rita was a lovely person. She welcomed everyone who moved into the development with a smile and hello. I have never seen her without that beautiful smile, Our loss is heavens gain. She will be missed,
Bill and Awilda Krupp
February 19, 2021
We had the privilege of knowing Rita for few short years after moving here to Manahawkin. It was quickly evident after meeting her, that she was a kind, giving, and generous hearted woman! We will miss your sweet smile Rita. So thankful we were friends! Bill and Awilda Krupp
Karen Turano
February 19, 2021
Dear Susan/Ed....so sorry to hear of your loss. Hoping the love of family and friends and good memories help comfort you through the coming days.
Karen McKnight Turano
Jeanne and Tom Visich
February 18, 2021
Rita was Atlantic Hill's Ambassador. She visited and welcomed all
new members of our community.She showed me how to make her famous biscotti cookies and played many games of Mah Jongg with me at her house. Rest in peace in your home in heaven. We will
all miss you!!
Patrice Boyle
February 18, 2021
Patrice Boyle
18 February , 2021
Our deepest sympathies to Henry and family.
We will miss Rita's warm and friendly personality.
She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
May God Bless all of you in this very difficult time...
Sincerely,
Michael & Pat Boyle
Linda Nealon
February 18, 2021
My sincere sympathy to Henry and family. I always looked for them when i walked past their house. Henry in the garage and then Rita smiling and waving from the door. Both Rita and Henry loved by everyone in the Atlantic Hills community. Only the sweetest memories of dear Rita.
Susan and Sam Andriano
February 18, 2021
Our deepest condolences to your family. Rita was an active and much loved member of our community. You would find her at every event, smiling and having a good time. She will be truly missed. May God give peace and comfort to Henry and your family.
Pat Daurizio
February 17, 2021
Our deepest condolences to Henry, Susan , Wayne and their families. Rita was one of a kind her warm and gentle manner was evident in everything she did. Always willing to lend a hand, her smile would light up the room.
She loved doing things and going to the activities that Atlantic Hills offered, you could find her at the pool almost everyday in the summer.
It was a privilege to have her as a friend. She will be greatly missed.
Heaven has truly gained an angel.
Peggy Keane-Brett
February 17, 2021
Rita was always ready to volunteer in the Women’s Club. She truly loved the Atlantic Hills community and was a vital part. Having her family join us at social events, gave her enormous pleasure. Her enthusiasm will be missed. She was indeed a beautiful lady.
JONNA KOELLHOFFER
February 17, 2021
We are so very sorry to hear about aunt Rita's passing. When she walked into a room, it would light up and she loved to keep us laughing. The world was a better place with her in it, and we know she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers for peace are with uncle Henry, Susan, Wayne and their families. Love, Jonna, Sue & the Koellhoffers.
Kelly Gray
February 17, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. She volunteered at the hospital with me at the radiology department for many years. She was a wonderful lady, and I loved working with her. My condolences to Henry and family.
George RATAJCZAK
February 16, 2021
Rest In Peace to the kindest most loving lady there was. We wish comfort to Henry and his family
Gloria and Jimmy Saltzman
February 15, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to Henry and family on the loss of a very special Wife and Mother. The kindest lady who was loved by all and we are glad we got to know this Angel. May she now rest in peace.
In sympathy and friendship,
Gloria and Jimmy Saltzman
Joan Zayat
February 15, 2021
God received another angel kindest most giving person who was my neighbor and friend for 33 years rest in peace dear Rita
Carol & John Chupak
February 15, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of Rita's passing. She was a wonderful person. She was one of the first people to welcome us to our new home in Atlantic Hills. Her warm and kind personality made her special - the world needs more people like Rita. Our prayers go out to you, Henry, and all of your family. Rita will be missed very much.
Carol & John Chupak