Rita Taggart

Rita Jean Taggart, a beacon of love, life, laughter and good humor, passed away quietly and peacefully of natural causes on September 10, 2025, at the Autumn Lake Healthcare Center in Vineland, NJ. "Rita" as she was affectionately known to family and friends and "Bammer" to her grandkids and great grandkids was born on February 1, 1930, in Trenton, NJ, and grew up in nearby Camden. Rita's life was a tapestry woven of many blessings and challenges but always lived with an unwavering commitment to make the very most out of her time on this earth.

Rita, was a proud graduate of Camden High School. She furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the NJ College for Women in 1951, which later became Douglass College and is now part of Rutgers University. Though she chose to fulfill her life in the role of a wife, mother, homemaker and friend, her impact on those around her was profound and far-reaching.

The daughter of the late Charles and Violet Brodsky, Rita was a beloved sister to Dr. Sidney Brodsky (Marilyn), Harry Brodsky (Joan), and Charlotte Hankin (Alfred), all of whom predeceased her. She was the cherished wife of the late Dr. Richard Pitel and subsequently the late John Taggart, both of whom helped to endow her with a life full of family, rich adventures, memories and milestones.

Rita's greatest pride and ultimately her legacy was always her family. She is survived by her children, Dr. Mark Pitel (Ellen) of Bluffton, SC and Carolyn Larro (Anthony) of Vineland, NJ, who continue to embody the integrity and values she instilled in them. Her grandchildren, Dr. M. Robert Pitel, Richard Pitel, Debra Lutsky, and Maria Vena, along with her great-grandchildren, David Pitel, Alex Pitel, Marilee Medero and Sam Lutsky will always remember her for her warm smile, boundless energy and infectious spirit.

Rita faced many challenges throughout her long life but always embraced them with humility, grace and without complaining. Through it all, she never lost her love of chocolate, nor her sense of humor and could always be counted on to share advice when requested or to just listen when someone needed a non-judgmental ear.

She was laid to rest next to her first husband, Dr. Richard Pitel, in a private ceremony in Alliance Cemetery, Norma, NJ on September 14, 2025. Rest in peace, dear Rita, knowing that your final story is written and shared with much thanks, admiration and love.