Rita Marie Santucci

Rita Marie Santucci (nee Rita Marie Coppola), 85, of Mahwah, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on November 21, 2025, after a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her family who loved her.

Born in Brooklyn in 1940, Rita’s early years were shaped by challenges that built her resilience, empathy, and a deep well of compassion. Despite a difficult childhood, she grew into a deeply nurturing and selfless women.

At age 22, while working at Brown Company in New York City, Rita met the love of her life, Anthony Santucci (Tony). They married soon after, and in 1964, moved to Rockland County, where they raised their two beloved sons, Paul and Mark. They shared 63 years of devoted partnership, defined by faith, loyalty, love for their children, and a deep affection that grew stronger with time.

Rita’s life centered on caring for others. As a mother, she advocated fiercely for her sons—supporting Paul through every challenge and success, and dedicating herself to ensuring Mark had everything he needed. Her maternal nature extended beyond her own children; she was a beloved aunt to her nieces and nephews, and was viewed as the neighborhood mom. As her family grew, she formed a close relationship with Paul’s wife, Kara, who became like a daughter to her, and an important part of her life.

When her sons were older, Rita returned to school and earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University. She went on to work as a school social worker in the Suffern Central School District, where her compassion and dedication made a positive impact on countless children.

Even after retirement, Rita continued giving back. She volunteered to drive Fresh Air Fund children to summer camp, and crocheted baby caps for premature infants in the NICU. She provided art supplies and led weekly art lessons at an underfunded parochial school in Newark, and later participated in an outreach program in her community, delivering food and clothing to families in need.

Rita loved art, theatre, and flowers, and was an avid gardener throughout her life. Her love of music inspired a lifelong passion in both of her children.

In 2017, Rita and Tony moved to Apple Ridge Townhomes in Mahwah, New Jersey, where they built a new community of close friends and neighbors.

Rita took immense joy in being “Gawa” to her granddaughters Mia and Annabelle, who brought her endless happiness. After years as a devoted mom to boys, she cherished every opportunity to buy dolls and dresses, braid hair, and take the girls to Broadway shows.

Later in life, she gained a bonus granddaughter in Isabella (Bella), who she welcomed with open arms, and showered with love.

Her deep Catholic faith guided throughout her life. Rita prayed with devotion, and believed firmly in living a life of service.

Rita is survived by her beloved husband Tony, sons Paul and Mark, daughter-in-law Kara, granddaughters Mia, Annabelle and Bella, and sisters Cathy and Laura. She leaves behind a legacy defined by generosity, love, and devotion.

Visitation service will be held at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home on Sunday November 30th from 3-7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be at The Church of the Presentation on Monday December 1st at 10am. and burial immediately following at Ascension Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Research at Lustgarten.org, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.