Rita Orlacchio

Rita Ann (Di Giovanna) Orlacchio, 94, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
Rita was a lifelong member of St Francis Cathedral. Her dedication to her faith and family were the most important things in her life.
After graduating from Bloomfield High School in 1949, Rita met the love of her life, Anthony Orlacchio. They were married on October 7, 1951, and made their home in Metuchen, NJ, where they built their life together. Rita took tremendous pride in raising her three children. She poured her heart into every aspect of their upbringing, creating a warm and loving home.
As a lifelong member of the Metuchen Golf and Country Club, Rita was an avid golfer and bridge player. She also delighted in spending summer days at the Jersey shore or the club pool with her many friends and family members. Rita was also an enthusiastic reader and could often be found enjoying a good book.
She and Anthony traveled to many countries throughout the world which created many wonderful, beautiful and lasting memories. Later in life she loved following her grandchildren's college teams quickly becoming an enthusiastic fan.
Loving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came naturally to Rita - an extension of the pride and a ection she always held for her family. Her warmth, devotion and strength will forever be cherished by all who knew her.
Rita is predeceased by her beloved husband Anthony Orlacchio; her parents Harry and Esther Di Giovanna; her dear sister, Joan Zaleski and husband Stanley; her in-laws Marie Cunningham and husband William; Katherine DeSevo and husband Matthew; Juliette Page; William Orlacchio; and Gloria Brucker and husband George.
She is survived by her son Allan Orlacchio and wife Jamie; her daughters Anne Diehl and husband Robert; and Diane Alicino and husband Thomas. She is also survived by six grandchildren. Robert Diehl and wife Allison; Diana Warnke and husband Jay; Nicole Alicino and husband Jeremy; Gabrielle Alicino; Adam Orlacchio and wife Shelly; and Anthony Orlacchio and wife Leanna. Additionally she is survived by nine great-grandchildren who she loved dearly.
A Viewing will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 1pm to 5pm at Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, 568 Middlesex Ave., Metuchen.
The Funeral will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 9:45am from the Costello-Runyon Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:15am at St. Francis Cathedral in Metuchen. Entombment will follow at Woodbridge Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children at www.stjude.org