Rita L. DeFebo

Rita L. DeFebo

Rita L. DeFebo, 90, of Coaldale, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was the wife of the late Frank DeFebo, who passed away in 1994. Born in Coaldale, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Ann (Kovac) Shigo.

She was a graduate of the former St. Mary's High School in Coaldale. Rita was a member of the first female class accepted at Villanova University, where she received a B.S. in Science & Nursing.

She started her career as a school nurse for the Panther Valley School District and then went on to work at the former Coaldale State General Hospital. Rita ended her career in private practice at the former Dr. Sahoo's Office in Coaldale. She was a member of the former St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Coaldale and current member of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley in Summit Hill. Rita was an active member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. She was a member of the Board of Education for the Allentown Diocese and was involved in prison ministry at the Frackville State Prison.

Surviving are her children, Rita Nietz and her husband Jeff, Louise DeFebo, Frank DeFebo and his wife Lisa, Mary Comensky and her companion Rick Parsons, and Patti Gerber and her husband Scott, all of Coaldale; grandchildren, Scott Nietz, Frank Nietz, Lauren Nietz-Becker, Maria Serina, Leanne Clee, Gina Pursell, Kayla Poluka, Samantha DeFebo, Theresa DeFebo, Frank DeFebo, Elizabeth Comensky, Dominic Comensky, Emily Hadesty and Nicholas Barron; 18 great grandchildren along with No. 19 on the way; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by brothers, William, Joseph, Robert and the Rev. Francis Shigo; sister, Sister Mary Louise, M.S.C.; grandson Curtis DeFebo; and several angel babies.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at noon at St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, 462 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill. Interment will follow at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Cemetery, Nesquehoning. Calling Hours are Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. as well as Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the church.

Contributions in Rita's memory may be made to St. Joseph Parish, 118 N. Market St., Summit Hill. Funeral arrangements have been placed in the care of the Parambo Funeral Home, Summit Hill. Online condolences may be shared at www.parambofh.com

Rita's family would like to acknowledge the excellent care and compassion she received from Dr. Elizabeth Perilli, which will always be appreciated and remembered.