Rita Desper Obituary
Born on August 17, 1934, in Mount Carmel, PA, Rita was the daughter of the late Stanley and Anna (Saviski) Klemaszewski.
Rita dedicated more than 30 years of her career to Sealy Mattress, where she worked as a sewing machine operator. She loved solving crossword puzzles and playing games such as Words With Friends, Scrabble, and rummy. Rita also enjoyed traveling, visiting many places over the years, and testing her luck at the casino. Above all, she was the life of the party; she cherished laughter, celebration, and making memories with family and friends.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: Sandra (Harry) Richardson of Lincoln University, PA, Francis "Frank" Desper Jr. of Kittery, ME, and Lenette (Anthony) Mack of Pottstown, PA. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Amy Richardson, Eric (Sondra) Ambler, David (Shannon) Richardson, Robert Clark, Nicholas Desper, Bailey (Dustin) Kelly, Kelly (Amy) Jenkins, Christopher Jenkins, and Sean (Brittney) Jenkins; as well as several great-grandchildren and her great-great-granddaughter, Violet DeNardo. Rita is additionally survived by her siblings: Stanley (Maryann) Klemaszewski, Anna "Dolly" (Russell) Forsyth, and Janice (Thomas) Mesarick, along with her dear friend, Joseph Farrell.
In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Susan Desper, and her brothers, Robert Klemaszewski and Leonard Klemaszewski.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Houck & Gofus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 955 N. Charlotte St., Pottstown, PA 19464. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with inurnment immediately afterward at Mount Zion Cemetery, 225 E. Schuylkill Rd., Pottstown, PA 19465.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rita's memory to Tower Health at Home Hospice, 739 Reading Ave., Reading, PA 19611. The family is especially grateful for the great care and compassion they provided during Rita's final days.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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955 North Charlotte Street, Pottstown, PA 19464
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