Rita Claire Silvestri

Rita passed away peacefully on April 10, 2019 with her family by her side. Born in Newark, New Jersey to Mildred and Alfonso Giordano on January 15, 1936, Rita grew up in Belleville, N.J. where she happily raised her loving family as a homemaker. Rita went on to work for many years at Wallace & Tiernan - Pennwalt in Belleville, before moving to Englishtown (Marlboro) N.J. She later worked for many years for the Monmouth County - 4H Group, while at the same time holding down multiple part-time jobs - including one for her beloved niece, Dr. Pamela Morello, DDS. While at the 4H, Rita loved preparing for and attending the "Annual County Fair" and enjoyed sharing the experience with friends and family. Rita enjoyed her work and made many lifelong friends with colleagues, but her greatest joy was her family. She referred to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as "her pride and joy" and "the lights of her life". She cherished attending school and sporting events for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was incredibly proud of their accomplishments and was quick to "brag" about them to anyone whod listen. She loved to cook (and to dine) and "breaking bread", at every opportunity with friends and family. She made a "mean manicotti" and some "killer meatballs". She especially enjoyed holidays, family traditions, and sharing family recipes. She loved her ice cream and "North Jersey bread". She looked forward to her "shows" (Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, etc.). She was an avid Yankee fan and loved doing crossword puzzles, word searches, and listening to Sinatra & Bennett on YouTube. She also enjoyed her trips "AC". She religiously prayed the Rosary and often said, "God helps those who help themselves" and "why worry, when you can pray"? When it came to getting things done, she always said "put one foot in front of the other". She was often amused by the things her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren did and said and had great sense of humor. She also looked forward to visits with and got a "kick out of", the family dogs.Rita was predeceased by her dear sister, Valorie Mondsini. She is survived by her loving daughter Susan DellaVolpe, and her husband Louis and her loving son Mario N. Silvestri, and his wife Eileen. Also, her cherished granddaughters Nicole Marchand and her husband Christopher, Dina DellaVolpe and Madison Rose Silvestri. And two greatgrandchildren, Joseph and Nicholas Marchand.