Rita Joan Thomann Lapaglia

Rita Joan Lapaglia passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, November 17. With her passing, the world has become much dimmer for those who loved her. Rita was born in Akron, Ohio, on September 8, 1925. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1943, and went to work in the banking industry. She met her husband Phil at a dance in December 1945, and they danced together through the next 60+ years. Rita loved music and dancing. She always had her radio on, and she made sure that she and Phil always made at least one date night a month to go dancing. Even in the lean years. Rita loved throwing parties, and for years her beloved family and friends always looked forward to her Christmas parties. Rita devoted her life to caring for her husband and family; to counseling and advising her family in times of need; and to enjoying the friendship of her many friends. As an Army wife, Rita lived in many different cities and countries around the world. She grew to love traveling, and after their retirements, she and her husband continued their travels for the next 30 years. In fact, Rita often said that some of her happiest times were spent with her husband driving in their car cross country on their next big adventure. Rita loved crocheting – her exquisite afghans were always in demand and were cherished by all who received them. She loved working her puzzle books and playing games on the computer, and she was an expert at doing many things at the same time. She was an excellent baker and was often encouraged to open her own bakery. She loved baking Christmas cookies and candy, especially when her grandchildren came to help. She shared a special relationship with each of her grandchildren and she circled them with her love. Rita is survived by her beloved husband Phil; her 5 children: Phyllis Lapaglia, Larry Lapaglia, Peggy Corley, John Lapaglia and his wife Brenda, and Mariann Cox and her husband George; her 6 grandchildren: Capt. Lisa Corley, Renee Lapaglia, Sarah Corley, Brandon Lapaglia, Erin Lapaglia and Elise Lapaglia; her many dear and loyal friends, and her large and loving extended family. Rita was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. She always had a strong shoulder to lean on for anyone who needed help or advice, and she was always the first one to pitch in when any work needed to be done. She was an inspiration to her family and friends. Her legacy of love and her zest for life will continue to light up the lives of all who knew her. We will all miss her. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 23, 2010 from 5:00 until 9:00 P.M. with a Rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. at Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 12:30 P.M. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Selma. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Anyone so desiring may make memorial donations to the Dominican Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus (www.shrineofsaintjude.com). Please sign the guestbook at www.colonialuniversal.com

Arrangements under the direction of Colonial Funeral Home, Universal City, TX.