Rita Abbruzzese Mataraza

Viera, FL

Rita Abbruzzese Mataraza, 88, died in the arms of her children on Saturday, October 25, 2008 in Viera, FL. Rita was reunited with her husband of 63 years, Michael Charles Mataraza, who passed away just 14 weeks ago.

Born in Milton, NY on May 15, 1920, Rita was the daughter of Donato and Antonette Abbruzzese.

Rita graduated from Highland High School, and at age 15, was accepted to attend Cornell University. In 1940, she earned a Bachelor's degree. Rita's first employment was at Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation in Poughkeepsie, NY and during World War II, she directed its Home Service Department. She traveled across the country to promote its Nutrition for Life program, "A Healthy America is a Strong America". Rita and Michael were married on February 18, 1945. After the war, Rita joined the Ulster County Welfare Department as a social worker, and after the birth of her children, joined the staff at Marlboro Central School. For 15 years she taught Home Economics and went on to serve as a guidance counselor until her retirement in 1979. Rita earned Master Degrees from Columbia University in New York City and from the State University of New York at Albany. Rita and Mike resided in Milton until 1979 when they moved to Naples, FL. In 2007, they moved to Cocoa Village, FL.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Neil Fino, Sr. of Highland, NY; her daughter, Diane Mataraza and her fiance, Michael Schleiffer of Viera, FL; her grandson, Michael Charles and his wife, Deanna Fino of Hopewell Junction, NY and grandson, Neil Vincent and his wife, Elizabeth Fino of Highland, NY. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Anthony Michael, Victoria Marie, Michael Charles Jr., Dominic Francis, Elizabeth Michele and Joseph Anthony; 27 nieces and nephews and 48 great nieces and nephews. Rita was predeceased by her five siblings: Marie Mataraza, Teresa Abbruzzese, Grace Palazzo, Joseph Abbruzzese and Emmaline Lofaro. Her family - actually all who knew her - were blessed by and benefitted from her wisdom, fairness, integrity, strength, grace, care and love. She will live in our hearts forever.

We extend special thanks to Dr. Vincent Sciortino, Dr. Carl Tahn and staff at Hematology Oncology Associates of Central Brevard, Wuesthoff Hospital Chaplain Joan Grace, and the compassionate staff of Brevard County Hospice and the Town Square.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 1, from 9-10:45 a.m. at DiDonato Funeral Home, 1290 Route 9W, Marlboro, NY. The Reverend William Scafidi will celebrate a Mass of Requiem on All Saints Day at 11:30 a.m., St. Mary's Church, 180 South Street, Newburgh, NY. Entombment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Middlehope, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Wuesthoff Hospice & Palliative Care Center, C/O Wuesthoff Health System Foundation, Inc., PO Box 565002, Rockledge, FL 32956-9928, or to the Food Bank at Town Square, c/o Deboralee Davis, 1700 Wuesthoff Dr., Viera, FL 32940.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Lawrence M. Cavazza and Carl J. DiDonato, Jr. of the DiDonato Funeral Service, Inc.; 845-236-4300.