Rita A. Smith of Sag Harbor Dies July 26

Rita A. Smith, passed July 26, 2024 at the age of 96 in her Sag Harbor home surrounded by her four daughters. In her last days family members encircled her with love and prayers. Her youngest granddaughter led the family each night by saying the rosary. We know how much that meant to our mom. She was a devout Catholic who from the age of 13 said the rosary daily.

Rita was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a woman of strength who taught her family by actions to follow their faith, keep an open heart, live a life of integrity and service, and have a fun filled spirit. Born on June 18, 1928, in Bari, Italy she immigrated to the United States with her family when she was just six months old. They resided in Brooklyn, NY where she met and married the love of her life George H. Smith in 1950. While George was serving in Korea, Rita worked at The Equitable as a bookkeeper. After the war, they began their family and moved to Massapequa in 1956. Over the years they worked with the religious and church members of Maria Regina parish to establish the catholic school, convent, rectory, and eventually a new church. All four of their daughters attended the grammar school and Rita volunteered in the library, classrooms, and office doing whatever role was needed. As the family grew, they moved to Seaford, staying in the same parish until retirement in 1993. Rita was involved in the parish Rosary Society and a variety of committees, church services, and special events. Believing that Catholic education was foundational for their children Rita and George subsequently sent all four girls to Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset where they served as Presidents of the board for several years. Rita ran the mother daughter fashion show fundraiser for several years. Her lifelong flair for wearing exquisite gowns, suits, and dresses was admired, as was her beautiful accompanying hats and accessories. She was known for hosting friends and family cooking her fabulous Italian dinners, especially her famous meatballs. The food was always plentiful and extensive.

Sag Harbor began as a family summer retreat in 1962 and eventually became their full time residence in 2000. Rita called Sag Harbor “God’s country.” She again immersed herself in the local catholic church, St. Andrew’s, the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 388, Columbiettes, and additional charitable work. She loved going to the beach and spending the full day with family and friends. Family games around the dining room table were a source of fun and entertainment for all. Up to her final week Rita was playing “horses” a favorite game with her now grown grandchildren. Rita was a member of a local ladies card group and had a lot of great times and laughs with her friends. And still she found the time to read several books most weeks and do her word searches. She lived each day to the fullest.

Rita touched many lives and truly made a difference. She leaves a long legacy of faith, love, and service. Her children; Mary Jean (Jim), Elizabeth-Anne (Domenick), Robin, and Rita Ann, her eight grandchildren, their spouses and partners, and three young great-grandchildren will all miss her, cherish the memories, and continue to honor her by their lives. As Rita lovingly would say “Love you and God bless.”

A Mass of Christian Burial took place on Monday July 29 at St. Andrew RC Church followed by internment at Calverton National Cemetery.