Rita Stiano

Rita (McKnerney) Stiano, 80, of Berlin and Niantic, loving wife of Joseph Francis Stiano for 55 years, died Friday morning at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain. Born in New Britain, daughter of the late Reginald and the late Angeline (Kane) McKnerney, she graduated from New Britain High School and Grace New Haven School of Nursing, and was a Registered Nurse at New Britain General Hospital. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in East Berlin, and a charter member of the Junior Women's Club of Berlin. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, David and MaryEllen Stiano of East Hampton, and Daniel Stiano of Berlin, two daughters and a son-in-law, Laura and Paul Padelli of Madison, and Jennifer Stiano of Berlin, a sister, Joanne Johanns of Niantic, a sister-in-law, Arline McKnerney of Southington, four grandchildren, Kyle and Joshua Stiano, and Marisa and Justin Padelli, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Dr. Thomas McKnerney. A Funeral Liturgy will be held Tuesday at 10am DIRECTLY at Sacred Heart Church, 66 Cottage Street, East Berlin. Burial will follow in Maple Cemetery, Berlin. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, New England Division, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. Porter's Funeral Service in Kensington is assisting her family.