Rita Ann Rosaio

Rita Ann Rosaio

On January 26, 2011, after a courageous two and a half year battle with a rare form of lymphoma and just ten days short of her 79th birthday, Rita passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her children.

Rita was born and raised in the Little Italy neighborhood of Wilmington to Pasquale and Matilda Faenza. She graduated from Wilmington High School in 1949. After marrying the love of her life, Frank J. Rosaio Jr. in 1951, she moved to Ebright Road where she lived until her passing. Her husband Frank passed away in 1961.

Rita was the secretary to the past seven principals during her 42 year career at Salesianum School. Her devotion to the school brought her the recognition of an honorary graduate. The Salesianum community and the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales were her second family.

She and her husband were founding members of St. Mary Magdalen Church. She was actively involved with the parish and school for many years and remained a parish member until her passing.

Nothing mattered more to Rita than her family. That love of family was passed on to each of her children. As the family matriarch, her selfless and loving presence will be dearly missed by all.

As a testament to her devotion to her family, she was recognized as Delaware's "Mother of the Year" in 2005 by American Mothers, Inc.

She is survived by her seven children: Kathleen Lauring and husband John of Worcester, MA, Michael J. Rosaio and wife Patricia of Wilmington, DE, Marina Rosaio-Roddy and husband Robert of Wilmington, DE, Frank P. Rosaio and wife Nancy of Wilmington, DE, Annette Rosaio Maull and husband Patrick of Wilmington, DE, Donna Rosaio Holowka and husband Michael of Middletown, DE, Denise Rosaio and husband Steven Graham of Elkton, MD. Twenty-two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Sister, Gloria Malatesta, sisters-in-law, Anne Muzio and Mary Perrone. And her Aunt Lena Anselme. Many nieces, nephews and her two special cousins, Loretta Berl and Elaine Weinkowitz and many dear friends.

Friends and family may call Sunday, January 30 from 2 to 6 pm at Centenary Hall, Salesianum School, 18th and N. Broom Streets, Wilmington. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 31, at 10 am, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 9th and DuPont Streets, Wilmington. A private entombment will follow at St. Joseph-on-the-Brandywine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Rita A. Rosaio Scholarship Fund, c/o Salesianum School, 1801 N. Broom St., Wilmington, DE 19802.

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