Born on May 22, 1947 in Villa Santa Maria, Abruzzo, Italy, Maria Rita D'Agostino (Rita) very proudly came to America with her mom, Iole and dad, Nicholas. There, they joined her extended family living in the Bronx, NY. Her parents worked very long hours, Iole in a dress shop and Nicholas in a restaurant to eventually purchase their first home, also in the Bronx. From there they would move to Lee Ave in Yonkers, NY to raise their kids, Rita, Jane and Nicky. Rita loved growing up as an American teenager in the 1950s and 1960s. She would meet her future husband, Paul at her father's restaurant. They married in June 1969 and began their life together in Yonkers, NY where they raised two boys, Chris and Nicholas. For many years, Rita stayed home to raise her sons, becoming an active member of their school's PTA, making the most delicious lunches and coming up with the best Halloween costumes. When Nicholas turned 10, Rita went back to work, a job she loved at Burke Rehabilitation Center in White Plains. She would work there for 26 years until 2015 when her first grandchild was born. Over the next ten years, Rita watched her grandchildren daily. She would work part time as a leader for Weight Watchers, enjoyed various exercise classes, yoga and her beloved peloton. But her grandchildren brought her all the joy in the world she could want. She attended all of their games and activities, and spoiled them endlessly. She loved spending time with her sons Chris and Nick, as well as their wives Diedra and Gianna. She was most proud of the women her sons fell in love with.
In 2018, Rita and Paul moved from their home of 40 years in Yonkers to a townhouse in Ossining. Here they found an amazing group of friends, dubbed the Pool Posse and Rita enjoyed many parties and nights out with them. These friends appeared in Rita's life at the exact right time.
Rita loved her new home and great friends. She finally had a beautiful pool to go to each day, became a Peloton enthusiast and loved to try new recipes. Rita loved Broadway shows, going to restaurants and shopping, especially for her grandchildren. She joined the Valhalla American Legion Auxiliary and spent much of her time volunteering.
Rita is survived by her husband, Paul, her son Chris (Diedra), her son Nicholas (Gianna) and their three children, the joys of her life, Elle, Camden and Leo. Rita is also survived by her sister Jane, her brother Nicky as well as beloved sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
21 W Stevens Ave, Hawthorne, NY 10532

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more