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BORN

1931

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home

419 Buckland Road

South Windsor, Connecticut

Rita Saccuzzo Obituary

The gates of heaven opened, and God's arms welcomed Rita (Rossignol) Saccuzzo, 88, into his kingdom. Rita passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, after a long illness.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Santo (2001), her brother, Clifford (2019), her mother, Leona (2009), and her father, Patrick (1955).

Rita leaves behind her son and caregiver, Michael of Vernon; three daughters, Laura Shugrue, Paula Saccuzzo, Jean and her husband, Tom Beebe; three grandsons, Patrick and his wife, Eliza, and Matthew and Christopher Shugrue; two granddaughters, Kate and Jennifer Beebe; a great-grandson, Zachary Shugrue; two sisters-in-law, Mariette Rossignol of Scarborough, Maine, and Mary Siok of Wethersfield; and three brothers-in-law, Richard Saccuzzo of Farmington, Ralph Saccuzzo of Oregon, and Joseph Saccuzzo of Arizona.

Born in Bucksport, Maine on Feb. 27, 1931, Rita was the daughter of the late Patrick and Leona Rossignol. She grew up in Madawaska, Maine, and graduated from Madawaska High School in 1949, where she was a National Honor Society student. During her senior year, she won three awards for academic excellence. Additionally, she was class treasurer, nicknamed "Money Bags," the district's spelling bee champion, and the recipient of the Aroostock County Citizenship Award, which culminated in an invitation to the state capital for afternoon tea with then-Maine State Sen. Margaret Chase Smith.

After graduation, she was employed in the office of the superintendent of Madawaska Public Schools until she wed in 1958 and moved to South Windsor. The family eventually relocated to Vernon in 1967, where she devoted and dedicated her life to raising her four children.

From 1974 to 1984 she worked in various capacities for Vernon Public Schools, sharing her love of reading with children. Later, she was employed as an executive secretary for the president and vice president of Nelson Freightways before becoming a legal secretary for the law firm then known as Garrity, Diana, Conti, and Houck, before eventually retiring in April 2003.

From 2010 to 2013 she returned to Lake Street School in Vernon to once again share her passion for reading and education with children as a literacy volunteer in Yvonne Gerner's fifth-grade class.

Known for her sincerity, sense of humor, caring, and vibrant and cheerful personality, Rita exuded class and grace. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of meeting her. In addition to being a devoted mother and wife, Rita was a fabulous cook who also enjoyed dancing, reading, watching movies, and making puzzles. Summer vacations with family and friends in her "beloved St. John Valley" Maine were especially cherished.

Family and friends may gather for a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Rita's life at St. Margaret Mary Church, 80 Hayes Road, South Windsor on Saturday, Dec. 7, at noon. Her family will receive friends on Saturday prior to the Mass at the church from 11:30 a.m. to noon. She will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the family plot in Madawaska, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "Rita Saccuzzo Memorial Scholarship Fund," Rockville High School, c/o the Main Office: Scholarship, 70 Loveland Hill Road, Vernon, CT 06066.

Samsel and Carmon Funeral Home has care of arrangements. For online condolences, visit

www.carmonfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Journal Inquirer from Dec. 3 to Dec. 7, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Rita Saccuzzo

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3 Entries

Mary Shaw

December 5, 2019

Although many years have passed since I have seen her smiling face it, along with a kindness and inner beauty few people possess are forever etched in memory. Rita was a truly beautiful human being. A pleasure to work with. Selfless and steady. Someone who was a blessing to know and so deserving to share in the rewards of eternal life. Rest In Peace.

Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home

December 3, 2019

Our sincere sympathies for your loss.

Janet

December 2, 2019

A wonderful tribute to a great woman. Rita was beautiful on the inside as well as beautiful on the outside. A true lady. Michael, you have so many wonderful memories to cherish. I know those gates to heaven swung open wide and gave your Mom the best reception ever. She will watch over you and be close to your heart until you meet again.

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Memorial Events
for Rita Saccuzzo

Dec

7

Visitation

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. Margaret Mary Church

80 Hayes Rd., South Windsor, CT

Dec

7

Memorial Mass

12:00 p.m.

St. Margaret Mary Church

80 Hayes Rd., South Windsor, CT

Funeral services provided by:

Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home

419 Buckland Road, South Windsor, CT 06074-3709

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