Obituary for Rita Gabriella Rita Gabriella (La Penta) age 99, passed away peacefully in her sleep just after New Year’s Eve, January 1, 2019. She was born August 25, 1919 in Philadelphia to Rocco La Penta and Lucia (La Vecchia). Rita had four siblings who preceded her – John, James, Rocco Jr, and Florence.
Rita was the beloved wife of 66 years to the late Louis. They married, raised their daughters and spent most of their years in South Philadelphia. Rita was the loving mother of Carol Gabriella and Joan (Joseph) Bowen.
Cherished Grandmother known as “Gram” and “Om” to the late Jason Petyk, Natalie (Tyrone) Petyk-Barnes, Dana (Daniel) DeSilvio, and Nicholas (Chelsea) Bowen Sr. Rita was the adored great-grandmother of Christian, Joseph, Nathan, Julia, Nicholas Jr. and John. She is also survived by her nephews who were like sons to her – Robert (Montana) Pino, Anthony Pino, John (Julie) Pino, and Rocco LaPenta III and extended family. Rita was fully devoted to her faith and her family.
A champion for all things good, she paid utmost attention to proper dress, good etiquette, preparing delicious meals, and protecting and celebrating the innocence of children. Always embracing her faith and femininity, Rita dressed in closed-toe kitten heels, a mid-length skirt and carried her Blessed Mother medallion in her pocket wherever she went. Rita spent her life nurturing everything and everyone around her.
Her home was beautiful, spotless, and welcoming. She felt some of her greatest joy in preparing and sharing meals with her company. From the back door of her row home she fed the squirrels, birds and alley cats and she rescued stray dogs.
She enjoyed music and dessert of all kinds–and with great frequency. Rita and Lou moved to Washington Township, New Jersey in 1985. They supported their children and grandchildren in everything they did, never missing a sporting event, recital or graduation.
They loved pinochle, slot machines, family gatherings, going for walks and seeing joy on the faces of children. We invite relatives and friends of Rita to celebrate her beautiful life. Visitation to be held Monday January 7, 2019, 10 am at St. Monica’s Catholic Church, 17th and Ritner Streets.
A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 am, with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon. For those wishing to honor her memory charitably, Rita’s family suggests donations to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children. www.
stjude.org. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rita Gabriella please visit our Sympathy Store.
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