Rita A. Knoll

Rita A. Knoll, age 92, of Mt. Laurel, NJ, formerly of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully on March 7th, 2024.
A beloved daughter, wife, mother, and sister, Rita was born on February 17, 1932, and spent a happy childhood growing up in West Berlin, NJ. On February 17, 1951 she married William "Bill" C. Knoll, Jr. (1929-2012) of Berlin, NJ. Together they celebrated 62 years of marriage and raised three daughters. They started their lives together living in Berlin, NJ, then moved to Flanders, NJ and finally retired to Wilmington, NC. Anywhere she went, Rita was always busy. Her full-time vocation was a stay-at-home mom and she actively volunteered in her community. Whether oil painting, crocheting, cooking, or working the hurricane preparedness telephone line, she was always involved in something. And she was always trying something new. As a senior citizen, she joined a Senior Citizen's Cheerleading Squad, cheering on her peers competing in the Senior Games. She also enjoyed tap dancing as part of a senior citizen tap dancing group. Rita received a Commendation from President Bush for crocheting baby hats for newborn babies and donating them to the Red Cross.
Rita is survived by her three daughters, Cheryl (Jim) McDowell, Linda Geisel and Billie-Jo (Gary) Phillips. She was the dear sister of Theresa Brecker (John) and the late Viola DiTullio. Rita was a loving grandmother to Tara (Brian) Pyle, Jimmy (Jessica) McDowell, Christopher (Joyce) Geisel, Lauren (Derek) Kostovik and Colleen McDowell. She was the adoring great-grandmother of Emily, Everly, Cole, Charlotte, Cora and Gwendolyn.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service for Rita on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 260 W. White Horse Pike, Berlin, NJ. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Rita's name to either the American Red Cross or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Arrangements under the direction of COSTANTINO-PRIMO FUNERAL HOME, 231 W. White Horse Pike, Berlin, NJ 08009.