Rita A Gardella

Rita A. Gardella, 72, of Jackson passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Born and raised in Staten Island she moved to Jackson in 1981 where she raised her family. Rita was a devout Catholic and a loyal parishioner of St. Aloysius Church. She loved shopping; especially for shoes, pocketbooks, and jewelry and traveling to the Poconos and West Palm Beach. She was the life of the party, enjoying music, dancing and spending time with friends and family. Most of all, Rita was a kindhearted and giving person. She loved her family, dogs and grandchildren tremendously. Rita is survived by her husband of 52 years, Gary E. Gardella, sons and their spouses, Richard & Erin Gardella, Gary E. Jr & Megan Gardella, brothers, Clifford Knesel Jr, Larry Knesel, Jude Knesel, Mark Knesel, grandchildren, Nicolas, Emma, Giulia, Mia, Summer and Marlee. Visitation will be Sunday 1-5 at Oliverie Funeral Home, 125 S Cooks Bridge Road, Jackson, NJ. Funeral Liturgy will be held Monday 10am at St Joseph's Church, Staten Island with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Popcorn Park Zoo, 1 Humane Way, Forked River, NJ 08731.