Rita L. Gutauskas

Southington- Rita L.(Colagrossi) Gutauskas, 67,of the Plantsville section, passed away Friday, Jan. 6, 2012 at home after a courageous 25 year battle with breast cancer. She was the beloved wife of Albert Gutauskas for 43 years.

Rita was born May 27, 1944 in Waterbury, the daughter of Madeline (Autore) Colagrossi of Prospect and the late Amodio Colagrossi.

She had been employed by Central CT Auto Color, a family owned business and was active in the Susan G. Komen Foundation. She loved spending time in her winter home in AZ where she enjoyed quilting, arts and crafts and the company of good friends, but most of all she loved her family. She had a strong connection to Padre Pio and was an active parishioner of St. Aloysius Church.

In addition to her husband and 97 year old mother, she is survived by 3 sons, Matthew J. Gutauskas and wife Jeanine of New Canaan, Geofrey A. Gutauskas of Southington and Andrew S. Gutauskas of Brooklyn, NY, a cherished grandson Jack Tyler Gutauskas, a brother Adam Colagrossi of Oakville, 3 sisters, Rosemary Summa and husband Joseph of Prospect, Dorena Schnaars and husband Fred of Waterbury, Lola Buonfiglio of Watertown, many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

The Funeral will be held Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. from the DellaVecchia Funeral Home; 211 N. Main St. to St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St. Plantsville, at 10 a.m. for a Mass. Burial will be at St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Donations may be made in her memory to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 74 Batterson Park Rd. Farmington, CT. For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com.