Rita M. Ponticello

Age 94, formerly of Kennedy Twp., she passed on Sunday, November 14, 2021. Born on January 24th, 1927, to her parents Joseph M. and Clara M. Grogan in Sewickley, PA, Rita spent her childhood growing up in Coraopolis and Moon Township, PA. Following World War II, she married her husband George, an Air Force pilot, and began her journey traveling and living across the country in a multitude of places, raising three sons and managing the household during her husband's extended tours of duty. Shaped by the Great Depression and life as a military spouse, Rita was very independent, strong-willed, resilient, practical, frugal, wise, and most importantly, a devoted, caring and loving caretaker of her family and siblings. Never one to seek attention, she always put the needs of others above her own. She was preceded in death by her husband George R. Sr., son Gerald, and her siblings Joseph M., Regis J., Francis W., Martin T., Robert P. and Mary C. Grogan. She is survived by her sons George R., Jr., and Gregg J. Ponticello, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends are welcome to join family for visitation 2:00 - 8:00 PM SATURDAY, November 20, 2021 at McDermott Funeral Home, Inc., 334 Forest Grove Road, Kennedy Twp. Mass of Christian Burial is 11:00 AM MONDAY, November 22, 2021 at Archangel Gabriel Parish, St. Malachy Church. Rita will be buried alongside her husband at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Flowers are being accepted, however, if preferred, memorial contributions may be made to St. Malachy Church, 344 Forest Grove Road, Coraopolis, PA 15108.
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