It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rita Gobler, who passed away in the early hours of September 26, 2026, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, surrounded by her loving family.
Rita was born on December 7, 1942, to Morris and Mollie Gash. She grew up in Philadelphia and spent her summers down the shore in Atlantic City, where she met the love of her life, Charles Gobler. The two went on to share nearly 64 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, family, and countless memories.
Rita was a fierce and talented saleswoman throughout her career, selling everything from children’s clothing to carpeting and flooring. But more than anything she sold, Rita was a true “people person.” She had a natural ability to connect with everyone she met and made people feel welcome and cared for.
Rita leaves behind her beloved husband, Charles; her two children, Mindy Falcone and Jeffery Gobler; her son-in-law, Angelo Falcone; her daughter-in-law, Leslie Gobler; and her three grandchildren, Marissa, 25, Rachel, 23, and Chase, 16.
Rita was lighthearted, quick to laugh, and never far from a good joke. She had an enormous heart and gave her love freely to the people around her. She loved playing mahjong, traveling, vacationing, shopping, jewelry and, most of all, spending time with her family—with one ice-cold glass of Pinot Grigio.
Rita was a source of comfort, warmth, and love to so many. She had a way of making those around her feel cared for and at home. She fought Alzheimer’s disease with incredible strength and determination until the very end.
Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, and the laughter, love, and joy she brought into the lives of others will never be forgotten.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday September 29, 2026 at Beth Israel Cemetery in the Mausoleum chapel at 11am.
Shiva will be held at Mindy & Angelo Falcone's Home, 6 Waterville Road, Manalapan following services on Tuesday from 1:30pm to 8pm and Wednesday at from 1pm to 4pm & 6pm to 8pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Rita’s memory, to support the ongoing fight against Alzheimer’s disease at www.alz.org
