Rita Palazzolo

Rita Palazzolo, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, in Brick, New Jersey. Born in New York, NY, Rita's vibrant spirit, pure unconditional love for all and life, optimistic outlook, and infectious smile brightened the lives of all who knew her.
Rita's early years were spent in the bustling streets of New York City, where she attended St. Mary's High School in Long Island City. She lived with her mother, father, 5 sisters, a dog Duchess, a cat Montgomery, and lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins on the same street and nearby. She grew up in a special and loving family full of happiness. Her mother was the best Italian cook, and her father had an amazing sense of humor always full of joy. Rita was extremely close and devoted to her mother and father, who taught her the only thing in life that matters is faith, family, and love. Before her mother passed, she told Rita she would have a little boy with reddish blond hair and, lo and behold, a couple of years later Michael was born with reddish blond hair. Rita had decided to transfer to Rome, Italy for a government position; however, she met the love of her life and gave that opportunity up for Jack and to start a family. She worked serving her country as a government employee, including with the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of the Navy. She later transitioned to a role at the Federal Aviation Administration, where her gracefully and expertly balanced work and family to a perfection, leaving an important and special impact on all.
Rita was a woman of many passions. She was an avid reader, often found with a book in hand, lost in the worlds between the pages. She loved to travel and saw most of the United States and Europe. Bowling was another of Rita's favorite pastimes, where her competitive spirit and joy for the game were always on full display. She also relished the times she spent playing bocce ball, a nod to her Italian heritage and love for outdoor activities, mostly loving the sound of the ocean. However, nothing could surpass the time she loved and devoted to her three adored grandchildren, Nicholas, Bryan, and Lindsey. Rita's legacy of love and wisdom will forever guide them.
Rita was a devout Catholic and was a fixture in the front row at St. Dominic's Church every week. She prayed often saying the Rosary at least once a day, explored many of the catholic shrines in the U.S. and Europe, read extensively about the saints, and found comfort in her faith.
The most important thing to Rita was family. Her devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren, and sisters was a testament to the solid foundation of traditional values and love she experienced from her mother and father. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack, with whom she shared a beautiful and enduring life and love story. Rita's memory is lovingly continued by her daughter Maryann, her son Michael and daughter-in-law, Kim Palazzolo, her grandchildren Nicholas, Bryan, and Lindsey, and her sisters Gloria and Geraldine, and a close-knit family of nephews and nieces. Her presence as a sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend was a beacon of warmth and guidance.
The family of Rita will forever cherish her memory and the indelible mark she left on this world. Her laughter, her stories, her love, her faith, and her unwavering strength will continue to resonate with those who were blessed to know her. As we in this world say farewell to Rita, and celebrate a life lived to the fullest, a journey marked by grace, resilience, and an unending capacity to love, we know God is overjoyed to have her home. She will be deeply missed and eternally remembered.