Rita M. Lynch

1942 - 2025

Rita M. Lynch
June 19, 1942 - September 21, 2025
In Loving Memory of Rita Mary Somers Lynch
Rita Mary Somers Lynch, 83, of Riverside, Connecticut, passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of September 22, 2025. Born on June 19, 1942, in Manhattan, New York, Rita lived a life defined by faith, family, love, and quiet strength.
Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Patrick Lynch; her parents, James Somers and Rita Leehane Somers of Woodside, Queens; her brother, Chief Master Sergeant Daniel James Somers (USAF); and her dearest aunt and uncle, Patricia "Peggy" and Neil Renehan, and cousin Kevin Renahan.
She is survived by her children: her son, John Christopher Lynch and spouse, Attorney Melissa Needle Lynch, of Westport, Connecticut; her daughter, Dr. Michelle Lynch Rickerby, and spouse, Attorney David Rickerby, of Tiverton, Rhode Island; and by Dr. Joseph Amato and partner Charles Alejandro of Newtown, Connecticut. She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Francesca Rose Colodny (and spouse, Steven), Nicole Somers Lynch, Cameron James Lynch, Luke Rickerby, and Lillie Rickerby, and by her great-grandchild, Owen James Colodny. Rita is also survived by her devoted companion, Nick Imbrogno, 96, (a Hillhouse Resident) and by her extended Renehan family of first cousins: William, Michael, Rosemary, Thomas, Cynthia, Mimi, Maureen and Jamie Krinsley, Jack, Annie, Patricia and David Vanbenshoten, and, second cousins Jeremy and Jenna Krinsley.
A valedictorian of the St. Vincent Ferrer High School Class of 1960 (Queens, NY), Rita's intellect and diligence shaped a distinguished career. She served as Executive Assistant to Nicholas Buoniconti, NFL Hall of Famer, Miami Dolphin, and President of UST, Inc., where she contributed to the founding efforts of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. She also served as assistant to Harry S. Peters, President of UST, Inc., and Prescott Bush II of Greenwich, Connecticut. In each role, Rita brought grace, precision, and unwavering integrity.
Rita was introduced to her husband John by his sister, Marie Seawright, with whom she worked with at Wiley publishing. John, the love of her life, later proposed at a Yankees game. They married October 2, 1965. They made Greenwich, Connecticut, their home in 1972, where they raised their family and became deeply rooted in the community. For 52 years, Rita was a devout and active parishioner at St Michael's Catholic Church (Greenwich) and then St. Catherine of Siena (Riverside). After John's death in 2004, Rita resided in Providence, RI for decade and joyfully helped in the raising of her grandchildren, Luke and Lillie Rickerby. In later years, she cherished her community at Hill House in Riverside, finding companionship, joy and purpose in its close-knit community where she was a friend to all.
A survivor of childhood polio, Rita battled with post-polio syndrome throughout her life. She met each challenge with courage, humility, and faith-never allowing hardship to dim her compassion or her devotion to family. Rita never appeared without a smile and extraordinary positive energy. She never used the words "I" or "me." Rita was considered by all to be an angel on earth. Rita was the matriarch and grand mentor of the Lynch, Somers, and Renehan families, a loving spouse, devoted mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and steadfast friend. Rita was an ever-present source of kindness, quiet wisdom, and prayer.
Rita's legacy endures in the faith she lived, the family she nurtured, and the love she shared so freely. She will be dearly missed and forever cherished. May perpetual light shine upon her, and may she rest in peace.
Her funeral mass will be held at St Michael's The Archangel Church, at 469 North Street, Greenwich, CT at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 18th, 2025. The family will be receiving mourners as of 10am at the church.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Rita's memory to www.post-polio.org or www.thehillhouse.org.