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1947
2022
Rita M. Pezzuto passed away on Saturday July 30th after living courageously with cancer for the past 8 months. She was 75 years of age. Born and raised in Chelsea she was a beloved daughter of the late Elviro and Gertrude (Murray) Guidi. Rita attended St. Rose School in Chelsea and received two master’s degrees in education and administration from Salem State College. She was a longtime resident of Dennisport and the Inlets at Nokomis, FL. and past resident of Revere and Melrose.
She was married to Richard A. Pezzuto, together they recently marked their 50th Wedding Anniversary on July 2nd.
Rita began her teaching career in Chelsea at the Shurtleff and Williams Schools, and she was also a school guidance counselor while in Chelsea. She became the principal of the Perley Elementary School in Georgetown from 1992 until 2004. During her tenure at the Perley she was instrumental in the school achieving a National Blue-Ribbon Award and was honored by President Clinton at the Whitehouse for her accomplishment.
Rita was very active in the Inlets Community, establishing the Reading Club, organizing Mahjong, and many activities there.
In addition to her parents, Rita was also predeceased by her two sisters and their husbands; Elaine and Robert Sullivan, and Esther and Stephen Lasota.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, Richard A. Pezzuto.
She was the devoted mother of Marc Pezzuto and his wife Amanda of Westwood, Rachel Pezzuto of Peabody and Andrea Greeley and her husband Eddie of Wakefield.
Cherished grandmother of Ryan, Reese and Elle Pezzuto, RJ Pezzuto, Kian, Khloe and Macie Greeley. Dear sister of Paul Guidi of Palm Springs, CA, and James Guidi and his wife Deborah of Lynn. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visiting hours will be held from the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea on Tuesday August 2nd from 4 - 8 P.M. Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend. Funeral from the Welsh Funeral Home on Wednesday August 3rd at 9:00 A.M. Followed by a funeral mass at St. Rose Church, 600 Broadway Chelsea at 10:00 A.M. Services will conclude with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
26 Entries
Heidi Begin
July 27, 2024
Rita was the GOAT of all principals! The best one I had the pleasure to work with. She knew every child´s name and story! She was well respected by all! She did it with class! Rita backed every teacher! I have so many stories- too many to write! lol! All good ones! The best were her costumes for Halloween in school and when I "flocked" her for her birthday! She was an amazing light at Perley School. All great memories on this 1 year anniversary. With love, Heidi Begin
Patti White-Lambright
August 31, 2022
I was so sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. She was a strong woman and a strong leader. I am grateful to have learned from her as a new administrator in the Georgetown Public Schools. She taught me that making decisions that are good for kids will always be the right decision. It is clear that she was always focused on children and education; whether her own children, her grandchildren or the students of the Perley School. She enriched so many lives. May she Rest In Peace.
Terry Palardy
August 12, 2022
RIP, Rita. You will be missed.
robert harnish
August 9, 2022
my condolences to richie and his family on the passing of rita,
Dominic Pezzuto
August 7, 2022
Sadly we heard the news, comforted knowing Rita’ s faith brought her home and is the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Forever in our prayers Babe, Carol Pezzuto and Family
Pam and Skip
August 6, 2022
Our heart is heavy and are praying for your family. Rita was a great friend and a super person. She definitely left many wonderful memories in the inlets.
Despina Makredes
August 5, 2022
Our condolences to the Pezzuto family. I knew Rita when our daughters were young. She was a very nice person. May her memory be eternal!
Pamela Dowd
August 4, 2022
I'm a friend of Rachel's who adored and looked up to her Mom. So saddened to hear of her passing. My first meeting with Rita you knew they were mom and daughter. Both intelligent, strong, beautiful, kind and especially funny woman! Let the light of God shine on you and forever on your family.
Pamela
Pat Daly
August 4, 2022
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Especially, you Richie.
I believe "Love is eternal, a light that's not gone."
Rita´s light will forever shine on.
Buck Isenberg
August 3, 2022
Richard,
I am so sorry for your loss. Rita was a bright ray of sunshine here in the Inlets.
I will always remember her translation of Boston English.
Flora Hall
August 3, 2022
Dear Richard
My sincerest sympathy to you and your family as you mourn the loss of your dear wife and mother.
Flora Hall
Jane Quinn
August 3, 2022
I am so sad to hear of Rita’s passing. I was a new member in her Cape Cod Book Group, and was just starting to get to know her when she became ill. From the moment I met her I knew she was a special person. Her warmth, kindness, intelligence and love of her family & friends was very evident.
To her family and friends, please accept my deepest condolences. We all know she is “in a better place”, but that is small constellation to those who will miss her.
May the wonderful memories you have of her help everyone through this difficult time.
Joseph McCrann
August 2, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Wish you the best ,
Joseph McCrann and family
Patricia and Richard Voto
August 2, 2022
Richie,
With heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Rita. May the love, prayers and support of your family and friends bring you comfort during this most difficult time. God Bless you and yours.
Candy DeLorenzo
August 2, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Denise
August 2, 2022
My sincere condolences to Rita´s family and friends. I´ve known Rita my whole life. She was like another older sister to me while growing up, she was one of my sister´s best friends, and was always at the house ( although we lived across the street). She was kind, smart and funny. I remember always hearing them laughing! I also remember the time that she let me help correct school papers (during her early years as a school teacher), I thought it was so cool! Although life took them in all different directions, my sister and her friends always stayed in touch, and would pick up and laugh like the old days. Rest In Peace Rita, your earthly presence will be forever remembered and sorely missed.
Debi Pike
August 1, 2022
Rita hired me as a teacher 22 years ago. She always emphasized that family came first , and I know she loved her family and friends fiercely. She was an amazing principal and a wonderful friend. I am so sad and send my sincere condolences to her husband, children and grandchildren who she loved more than all the waves in the sea! Rest easy, Rita. You will be missed by so many! ❤
Janice Jenson-Duseau
August 1, 2022
Rita was a bright light at The Inlets. Alway thinking of new activities and making sure to include everyone. She will be missed. We hope she find a great bookclub in heaven.
Leelie and Wells Dow
August 1, 2022
Dear Richie, you’ve lost your life partner and we feel your pain and send our love. Hope to see you while we’re still up north and then in the Inlets❤
Janet sinasky
August 1, 2022
I was so very sorry to hear about Rita´s passing. We had so many fun times at Perley school. I don´t think I ever laughed so hard as I did with Jean and Georgy and Rita. Rest In Peace Rita
Jeanne Steele
August 1, 2022
Sending prayers and healing angels to Rita´s family.
Francine Blair
August 1, 2022
You were the most loving , kind and considerate woman I have ever known ! Wonderful Principal and an adoring lady! Every one you touched love you so much! I will miss you so much!
Janet DePesa/Jay Sweeney
August 1, 2022
Dear Rich,
We are so sorry about your dear wife, Rita. She was so devoted to you, her family and grandchildren.
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Kathy Blair
August 1, 2022
Rita you will be so missed by many. This includes your Perley Family who loved having you as our Principal and most importantly our friend.
Heidi Begin
August 1, 2022
My favorite principal ever! Rita was a light at Perley School! I enjoyed going to work every day! She was larger than life!!! Fond memories. She touched some many lives!
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Aug
2
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home - Chelsea718 Broadway Main Office, Chelsea, MA 02150
Aug
3
9:00 a.m.
Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home - Chelsea718 Broadway Main Office, Chelsea, MA 02150
Aug
3
10:00 a.m.
St. Rose Church
600 Broadway, Chelsea, MA
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Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home - Chelsea718 Broadway Main Office, Chelsea, MA 02150