Rita A.

Smith

-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 with saying the rosary. We know how much
that meant to our mom. She was a devote 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 dinning 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.