Rita Marie Bevevino (Lepkowski), 81, Warren, died on January 10, 2024, surrounded by her family after a long and brave battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Mrs. Bevevino was born July 20, 1942, to the late Carl and Mary Lepkowski in Elyria Ohio. She attended Elyria Catholic High School where she was not only a cheerleader and valedictorian of her class, but wrote the school fight song. In addition to skipping a grade because she was so smart, she was member of student council and selected to serve as a representative to the Ohio Boy’s and Girls Ohio State Convention. Following graduation, she attended St. Johns college in Cleveland, OH, where she graduated with a degree in education.
After meeting with a kiss on Saint Patrick’s Day in 1962, she married (her hero) William Bevevino two years later. The couple lived in Ohio and moved to Warren after Bill completed law school.
In addition to her devoted husband, Rita is survived by her three great kids; her son (and definitely the favorite) Mark A. Bevevino and our favorite daughter in law Lynn (Dabbiero), Malvern, Pa; and her equally great daughters Judy L. Bevevino; and Jill C. Tonachio and her husband Phillip J. Tonachio, (all of Chester Springs, Pa). She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Billy, Frank, Elena, Tommy and Sam Bevevino; Skye, Riley and Lilly Bevevino; and Alicia, Angie and Amanda Tonachio, and her favorite adopted son Greg Latimer. Rita is also survived by siblings Jimmy Lepkowski and Carl Alan Lepkowski of Ohio.
Rita’s strong faith was an important part of her life. She was an active member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church and taught at the school for many years. She also dabbled in real estate as an agent for Century 21 before landing her favorite job with Whirley Industries Inc. where she was the Human Resources Manager. She shined in this role and helped the company be recognized as one of the best places to work in Pennsylvania.
As a mother and grandmother, she loved spending time with her family baking, watching the waves in Sanibel, worrying about the weather, and sharing the local news. Rita was a life-long learner and loved to travel with her dearest friend Jane Betts. She and Jane read Fodor’s travel books and adventured across Europe, convincing Rod and Bill to join them on occasion. She showed us what it means to always be engaged as she chaperoned our trips, painted Christmas ornaments, took guitar, learned Italian, played piano, made various Jello desserts, and enjoyed every type of candy. She was a voracious reader who loved a good romance, and has graced us with several macrame plant holders and bead necklaces created at the Rouse Home where she was well cared for and loved by the nurses and staff alike.
Family will receive friends on Friday January 19, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:00 am at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 600 Pennsylvania West, Warren Pa. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am with Fr. Richard Tomasone, pastor, officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow mass in the church. Donations can be made to The Rita Bevevino Endowment Fund and sent to St. Joseph’s Church at 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, Pa 16365. Email condolences may be sent by visiting www.delewisfuneralhome.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.