It is with great sadness that we announce that our beloved mother Rita Grillo passed away peacefully on June 13, 2022, in Henderson, Nevada. She was exactly one month shy of her 98th birthday.
During her almost century of life, Rita, also lovingly known as Noni, Reetz, and Mom, touched the lives of countless friends and family with her generosity and her smile. She was born in Warren, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 1924, the fourth child of Santa and Frank Manfrey’s nine rambunctious children. After marrying and starting her own family in Warren, Rita often welcomed her many siblings, nieces and nephews to her home for meals and holidays. She was known for her marinara, her meatballs, and her cookies. Rita never turned down a competitive game of Farkle or Skip-Bo or a long conversation with a loved one. After spending 95 years of her life in Warren, Rita moved to Henderson where she spent her time being regularly visited by family, watching golf or The Price is Right, and dispensing her favorite advice, “What can you do?”
Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 59 years, Carl; her brothers Frank, Samuel, Orlando, and Eugene; and sisters Frances, Josephine, and Elizabeth.
Rita is survived by her and Carl’s three children, Judi, James (Lorrie), and Marcia (Bob); four grandsons Robert, Jordan (Sasha), Milo, and Max; one great-grandson Jordan Jr.; brother Joseph; and siblings-in-law Thomas and Irma Grillo, and Mary Olmsted; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family and friends may call on Thursday, June 23, 2022, 5 – 7 pm, at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, 304 East Street, Warren, PA 16365. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10 am on Friday, June 24, 2022, at Rita’s church of over 80 years, St. Joseph’s Church, at 600 Pennsylvania Ave W, Warren, PA, 16365, with the Rev. Richard Tomasonne and Rev. Mark Mastrain, concelebrants, officiating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Those wishing to place a memorial may do so through St. Joseph School Scholarship Endowment Fund, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue W, Warren, PA, 16365. Cards can be mailed to 1284 Conewango Ave, H3, Warren, PA 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent to ritagrillo24@gmail.com or by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Aunt Rita was more than just a Godmother and aunt.,she was a friend and when she hugged you, you knew she meant it . When we would go to her house, right a way she would start bring out the food, and say ” Come on ,you have to have something”. That was the Rita way. When she would play “Farkle” winning was secondary, she loved to laugh and only wanted to enjoy being with the ones she loved. Aunt Rita had a heart as big as the world. I will always remember her famous line. ” LIVE IT UP”
Marcia and family.. I was so sorry to hear of your mothers passing..
I will remember her fondly and glad I had the chance to see her in Nevada when visiting.. she lived a beautiful life and also passed that and her love to all of you.. love Debbie and Greg
It is with great sadness and broken heart that I learned of my Aunt Rita passing. So many fond memories. Judy, Jimmy, and Marsha our sincere condolences to you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Love Sam Marianne. Mark Olivia Manfrey
Rita was such a joy when we visited at the Reunions. Especially enjoyed her and Liz together. Always a smile. Prayers to her family.
Dear Judi, Jim, and Marcia(and families),
Please accept our deepest sympathy upon the passing of your Mom. She was truly a beautiful woman, always a smile n her face.
Sincerely,
Chris and Rob Loranger