RITA IPPOLITI Obituary
RITA, July 22, 2009. Beloved daughter of Nicholas P. and the late Anna (nee DeFeo), sister of Ralph (Mary), loving aunt to Barbara Ann, Claire, Theresa, Nicholas and Ralph, Jr. Relatives and friends are invited to call Saturday 8:30 to 9:30 A.M. GALZERANO FUNERAL HOME, 9304 OLD Bustleton Ave. (below Welsh Rd.) Funeral Mass 10 A.M. Maternity B.V.M. Church. Interment private.
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Trisha
July 17, 2021
my dearest friend. I think of you so often and miss you so much. I hope you are surrounded by purple balloons and love. I have so much to tell you when we meet again.
Michael Turoff
December 7, 2020
Several years ago, I dialed the phone number I had for Rita in my phone and was devastated to learn that she had passed away many years ago. She and I met through our love of skydiving and she and I exchanged autographed copies of our books. Mine was Parachuting, The Skydiver's Handbook. I met her once in Philadelphia while visiting my birthplace and brother there. What a shame that we can't meet again!
Trisha Carter
July 18, 2010
It's been almost a year my friend. Not a day goes by I don't think of you. I miss you so much. Once more I wish you blue skies and purple balloons forever.
Julia G
October 22, 2009
I never met Rita but felt I got to know her through her book 'Falling into Place'. Her brave story of how she became a skydiver touched me deeply & inspired me to make a lifelong dream come true & take up skydiving myself at the age of 40. Her humour and passion for life was a real inspiration. My deepest sympathies go out to her family & friends. Blue skies Rita fly free!!..
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September 1, 2009
I first met Rita in Concord law School adn graduated with her one lovely July afternoon in 2004. Since then we have contnued our freindship and communicated via e mail I will miss her blue skies!!!!
Olga Cotera
Concord law School Alumni
Ziggy7
August 29, 2009
I just heard of the news from Rita's brother. Our deepest sympathies go out to Rita's family and her many friends.
"BLUE SKIES", Rita. You will be missed!!!
August 29, 2009
I never got to meet Rita in person but I always loved her posts and reviews. She had such a zest for life and her passing leaves a deep sadness in all the cruise boards she posted on. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and to all the people who lives she touched with her words. Janice (stanford's girl) Portland, OR
aimee worsek
August 6, 2009
To Rita's family - While I never met her in person, I always enjoyed her CC blogs and comments. She was a lovely person, who seemed to live her life to the fullest. I will miss her very much. May her memory be a blessing.
Aimee Worsek [Chicago, Il]
Bill Flynn
July 30, 2009
Rita, I miss you already, meeting you during the rec.skydive boogie in sebastian. You loved life and other. I'm sure you are skydiving with our dear friend Jan, fly free my friend
Blie skies
Bill Flynn
Patty
July 29, 2009
I have never met Rita, but feel sad at her passing. She spoke her mind and lived her life to the fullest. What more can you say about someone like that. Her family has gained a guardian angel.
Patty (Cruisin' Chick) from Northridge CA
Amy Hobart
July 27, 2009
We pass our sincere condolences to Rita's family and friends. She has worked for us at Delegate2 for a long time now and will be sorely missed. Her positive and upbeat emails made her very popular amongst our staff and always raised a smile.
Karen Kirby
July 27, 2009
To Rita's family,
My heartfelt condolences, I will miss Rita truly, she and had some good laughs skydiving, and when she came to Chicago to visit we had a blast. I will miss her
Jack Ceman
July 26, 2009
I first met Rita at her hurridly disorganized rec.skydiving boogie at Seastian, FL, We shaered a lot of laughs, a lot of hugs, and even a parachute -- when I broke my femun, she used my canopy for training only to break both of her femurs under it!
I will miss her quick smile and her love for life. Fly free, sweetheart, fly free!
Dianne
July 26, 2009
"To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die."
What a wonderful sense of humor and zest for life!
We will miss her more than can be said.
Dianne (SeaFan) From CC
July 25, 2009
I have been away and just returned home and read this awful news. Cruise Critic was blessed to have Rita as an active member. I wish I had gotten to meet her. My prayers are with her father and family.
Pat- Peaches from Georgia
Carol Andrew
July 25, 2009
I never met Rita but I felt I knew her through her posts on Cruise Critic. She will be missed there.
My condolences to her family and friends.
Carol (English_in_Spain, Cruise Critic, Spain)
Ron and Melodie
July 25, 2009
Our deepest sympathies go out to Rita's family and all her many friends. She had a zest for life that few of us ever have, and because of that zest she lived life to its fullest. Rita, we will never get on a cruise ship and not think of you. Blue skies Rita.
Bill Hendy
July 24, 2009
Rita and I have know each since September 1969. We met in the 8th grade at Fels Junior High School. I am so sad to hear of her passing. Rita was good friend to me over the years and I always enjoyed her company. She could always put a smile on my face. My sincere condolences to her father and family.
God Bless you Rita. Rest in peace.
Kathleen
July 24, 2009
I only knew Rita by her screen name Kryos on Cruise Critic where she was a vibrant and vital part of that community. Rita was an articulate and informed poster who told it the way it was. She always had a point of view and never backed away from controversial issues. It was refreshing to read her many thoughtful posts.
She is already missed. Blue skies Rita ...
Phil & Cres Cady
July 24, 2009
July 24, 2009
Rita's sudden death has shocked us all; she will be missed by many, even people who only knew her from Cruise Critic. I want the family to know that we pray for them on their loss. I know Rita is on the best cruise there is.
Wendy Lucero
July 24, 2009
My deepest sympathies to all her family and friends. She will be greatly missed. "BLUE SKIES", Rita.
Mary Ellen McGowan
July 24, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about Rita's passing. I hired Rita and was her supervisor at ARA Services for several years in the mid-1970's through 1980. I will always remember her as a young girl even after all these years. I see from the other postings that you had many friends and I know this will be a comfort to her family at this time. God speed Rita
Sandy
July 24, 2009
I was so looking forward to meeting Rita in October on our cruise to Hawaii and to personally thank her for all her contributions to our Cruise Critic board. To her family - may God surround you, support you, and sustain you in all the days ahead.
Kathy Budzichowski
July 24, 2009
Rita worked for me when I first came to The Inquirer 25 years ago. It was my first supervisor's job and I was new to the newspaper industry and not very familiar with Philly. She made my life so easy through her hard work and great technical skills. She was very kind to me and made me feel welcome.
Keith Curtis
July 24, 2009
Another friend of Rita's from Cruise Critic. Rita was always so helpful and positive in her communications. Her loss has touched me and she wil be greatly missed.
-Blue Skys Rita.
Keith and Gina (K&RCurt)
Jennifer Lynton
July 24, 2009
Even though I have never met you, I felt that I knew you and you were a cruising friend. I always enjoyed reading your posts on Cruise Critic.
To all your family and friends my sincerest condolences.
Gerry Postnikoff
July 23, 2009
Although we have never met, I so enjoyed reading her posts on Cruise Critic message boards. She was a person with solid advice and opinions, but voiced them in such a way that made people understand there could be 2 sides to a story. My sympathies to her family and friends - please know you will be in my prayers throughout the days ahead. Blue skies, Rita!
July 23, 2009
I am very sorry for your loss. Rita's many words of advice have helped me prepare for my upcoming cruise. I can tell by all the posts on Cruisecritic that she has touched many, many lives!! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sylvia (sylteach) from Mansfield, Ohio
David Bevan
July 23, 2009
Rita although we never met we feel that you were a friend thank you for all the support to your fellow Cruisemates. To all her family our condolences.
Dave and Willy
Bonnie Morgan
July 23, 2009
My husband and I sailed with Rita to the Panama Canal several years ago. I always enjoyed her Cruise Critic entries and often acted on her good advice. She will be missed by many.
Our heartfelt sympathy to her family, she was a lovely person.
Bonnie Morgan (Betsy's Mom)
Sylvia Berry
July 23, 2009
So many plans for the future and gone in a second..My sincere condolences to her friends a family.
Blue Skies forever Rita,
Sylvia (cusyl Cruise Critic)
Jim Hannah
July 23, 2009
Although I never met Rita in person, I felt she was a friend simply by our association on the Holland America forum on Cruise Critic. She was always thoughtful and logical in her comments, and anxious to share what she knew with those seeking guidance. She will certainly be missed in our online community, but I know the family's loss is many times greater. Warmest wishes to all of you.
Kakalina
July 23, 2009
When the tears are dried from our faces. Or settle,
Still as a stream in acomplished countries of peace.
And the traveler opens, permitting the voyage of light.
As air, as the heart in repose this lasting day.
Rita, I will meet you there someday. Eternal blue skies my friend
Tarheel72
July 23, 2009
Rita was a valued member of the cruise boards and her contributions will be sorely missed. Condolences to the family.
Linda McMichael
July 23, 2009
Rita was one of the first Cruise Critic posters that I knew to look for, because she always had something interesting to say, and she said it well. I thought about her just the other day when I was watching sky-divers soaring from the top of Tiger Mountain in Issaquah, Washington. She led a full life, from all reports. My heart goes out to her father and the rest of her family.
July 23, 2009
So sorry for your loss. The world has changed, and is less for her passing. Blue Skies. Muffin
Carol Errickson
July 23, 2009
We met Rita on her Transatlantic cruise. By the time the cruise was over, I had a new friend. Rita was a warm, caring, good person. I admired her zest for adventure, and her love of her Father. I was so looking forward to seeing Rita in March. I will truly miss her, and still can't believe she is gone. Carol Errickson
Valerie Wiersema
July 23, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. Rita was a well loved and valuable contributor to the Cruise Critic boards and many of us, who never met her in person, thought of her as a good friend. Blue skies Rita - I will miss you more than you could know.
July 23, 2009
I never personally met Rita, but considered her a friend. She was a very special lady that will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She has touched many lives. May it comfort her loved ones at this time to know she was loved by many.
With deepest sympathy,
Marie
Donna Morris
July 23, 2009
I met and worked with Rita at the Philadelphia Inquirer back when we were both in our 20's. Through the years, I would see her at work. When I think of her, the first thing that comes to mind is a fun-loving, kind person with a great sense of humor. I will keep her and her family in my prayers.
Heather Sandarr
July 23, 2009
My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Rita's family. I have known Rita through her posts on Cruise Critic for years. Though we never met, I had the utmost admiration and respect for her through her helpful attitude, her strong opinions and convictions. This has hit the CC community hard and she will be so missed there as she will closer to home. God bless you, Rita ... no one deserves blue skies more ... you reached for them every day.
Claudia Mann
July 23, 2009
I met Rita when we went to Europe together in 2007. We came back to the US on the QE2 and she absolutely loved it! She was like a kid in a candy store onboard the QE2 and it was great to watch!
She had such a zest for life and also for new adventures. Her heart was loving and generous. I will miss her greatly...
John Copper
July 23, 2009
I know Rita from Cruise Critic where she was a regular and valued contributor but I also had the pleasure of meeting her in person last year when I gave her a ride from the L.A. Airport to the Port of Long Beach for her "Battlestar Galactica" cruise on Carnival, something she was really looking forward to. We had a nice conversation and she gave me a copy of her book. A real "down to earth" person who was taken way too early!
Rest in Peace Rita and may you always have "Blue Skies", a clear drop zone and good landings!
John/Copper
Los Angeles, California
audrey cartledge
July 23, 2009
My condolences to Rita,s family, we met on the Transatlantic 2007, she was a unique person, and will be sadly missed, audrey -portsmouth UK, " blue skies"
July 23, 2009
Rita was a sweet and loving woman and the best of best of daughters to Uncle Nick and Aunt Anna. There was none better than her. Her kindness and thoughtfulness to her family was unmatched. We will miss her. Our love and deepest sympathy go out to Uncle Nick, Ralph and Mary and her nieces and nephews as we send her off to our Lord.
Joe and Josephine
Rev. Greg Neal
July 23, 2009
Rita was a dear friend and fellow-lover of cruising and of the Lord our God. It was a blessing to have known her, and I shall praise God for her and remember her in my Eucharist this coming Sunday. My prayers are for her, for those who loved her, and for those who will miss her in her passing. I want to offer up, for Rita, St. Augustine's Prayer for Mariners:
"Frail is our vessel, and the ocean is wide; but as in your mercy you have set our course, so steer the vessel of our life towards the everlasting shore of peace, and bring us at length to the quiet haven of our heart's desire, where you, 0 God, are blessed, and live and reign for ever and ever. Amen."
Julie
July 23, 2009
Rita was an incredibly generous and welcoming person to all people on the Cruise Critic forums. I learned a great deal from her and also admired her positive and helpful attitude.
My condolences to her family and friends.
Bev Taylor
July 23, 2009
Rita, we will all miss you. It was an honor to have known you on the boards. May you have blue skies, and may your family and friends know that you were much loved and greatly respected.
Stephanie
July 23, 2009
Rita was a wonderful person who was always ready to share her friendship, enthusiasm and kindness with others. She will be missed by her friends at Cruise Mates and Cruise Critic. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Wander
July 23, 2009
I never met Rita, but her contributions to others on Cruise Critic were ever so appreciated and helpful. Thank you Rita! My thoughts go to your family and friends. You will be fondly remembered.
Julie Reed
July 23, 2009
We never met in person but I appreciated her advice and sharing of her experiences on the seas on Cruise Critic. Blue skies forever.
Debbie McFarland
July 23, 2009
Condolences to Rita's family through this difficult time. Rita will be sadly missed by all her friends from the cruising world. She made such an impact on people with all her kindness and knowledge of the cruising world. I didn't get the chance to meet her in person, but had exchanged emails regarding cruising. Rita, may you rest in peace, and always have blue skies!
Debbie McFarland--debshomespun, Ohio
ALLAN/SANDRA BENSON
July 23, 2009
RITA WAS A FULLY COMMITED MEMBER OF CRUISE CRITIC AND HAD MANY UNKNOWN FRIENDS SHE WILL BE SADLY MISSED . MAY HER FAMILY ONLY KNOW PEACE AND JOY. ALSAS
Trisha Carter
July 23, 2009
Rita was by dearest and closest friend and the sister of my heart. Her laughter, her joy in life, and her generous good humor will be sorely missed. Godspeed Rita, blue skies forever my friend. I love you.
Babette Voegeli
July 23, 2009
Blue skies, my dear friend.
Aloha
Babette
July 23, 2009
I never met Rita but she was a friend. We shared a love of cruising and exchanged views and ideas on Cruise Critic. My condolences to her family and friends.
Rich Jones- Mudscraper
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