Rita Lombardo

Charlotte - Rita Marie (Chabot) Lombardo

February 19, 1941 - December 16, 2025

Rita Marie (Chabot) Lombardo of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the age of 84.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and lifelong soulmate, William Lombardo Jr.; her parents, George and Beatrice (Holland) Chabot; her brother, Thomas Chabot; and her granddaughter, Jennifer Lombardo.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Rita grew up in Cranston and attended Cranston High School. As a young woman, she was an accomplished horseback rider, earning numerous medals in competitive events. She was active in many school clubs, but her true passion was water skiing at Beach Pond in Exeter, Rhode Island. It was there-at her family's lake house-that she met her future husband, William, who was working as a lifeguard on the state beach. After marrying as a young couple, Rita became the heart and foundation of her family. A devoted wife and career homemaker, she lovingly raised three children and set an enduring example of grace, dedication, and service. Throughout the years, Rita found time to teach Sunday School, serve as a Scout den leader, volunteer with the PTA, and participate in numerous school-related committees while living in Connecticut and Texas. Later, she volunteered for over a decade with the Providence Plantation Woman's Association in North Carolina.

Rita was a compassionate and tireless giver. In her leisure time, she enjoyed entertaining friends while playing Masters Bridge and embraced her lifelong love of boating, spending many weekends aboard the family boat on Lake Norman, North Carolina.

She is survived by her three children: Cindy Lombardo; William Lombardo III and his wife, Sandra; and Thomas Lombardo and his wife, Katherine. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Nicole (Lombardo) Helsinger and her husband, Erik, and Ryan Lombardo; two great-grandchildren, Brian and William "Will"; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Rita's life was defined by love, service, and quiet generosity. She leaves behind a spirit of joyful kindness, fun, spontaneous laughter and devotion that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. A private service will be held December 29, 2025, at Heritage Funeral and Cremation Services Chapel, 3700 Forest Lawn Drive, Matthews, North Carolina. A private burial and reception will follow at Crown Memorial Park, Pineville, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rita's memory to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society of Western North Carolina