Rita Denak

Born on October 10, 1932, Rita grew up in West Brighton, lived in Silver Lake for many years, and later made her home in Rosebank. She attended Curtis High School and worked at Manufacturers Hanover Trust, where she was known as a “star teller.”

Rita was the beloved wife of the late William Denak, with whom she shared nearly 42 years of marriage. She was also the loving mother of Rita Wagner and cherished mother-in-law of Thomas Wagner. Her husband, daughter, son-in-law, parents, and several siblings predeceased her. Rita was a beloved sister, aunt, and friend who will be remembered for her warmth, wit, and colorful spirit.

Fun-loving and quick to laugh, Rita famously told her nieces and nephews to “go play in traffic”—always delivered with affection. That same spirit carried into her style and she enjoyed getting “gussied up,” earning her the nickname “Aunt Gus.” She loved leopard print and anything that sparkled and was rarely without a touch of glamour.

Rita was a voracious reader and an avid bowler. She was active in the Red Hat Society and the Moose Club in Brooklyn, a regular at Labetti Post in Rosebank, and loved the Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade. A devoted lover of Siamese cats, she especially cherished her late cat, Charlie.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 19, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Casey Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314. A prayer service will be held Thursday, August 20, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Casey Funeral Home, followed by interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery at 11:30 a.m.

Those joining the family are invited to wear something Rita would have loved—in true Aunt Gus fashion