Rita M. Veitz

Rita M. Veitz (nee Madrigale), age 98, passed away peacefully at home on February 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Rita was a dedicated mother to Samuel Sr. and his wife Colleen, and a cherished grandmother of Sabrina, Samuel Jr., Peter, Milton, and the late Charlie and DiMaggio. Born to Matilda and Ferdinand Madrigale on June 28, 1927, Rita was the youngest daughter of a large and loving family. She is now reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband of 62 years, Peter H. Veitz, along with her brothers Albert, Frankie, Nicky, Pat (Anthony), Armand (Mandy), Johnny, Rudy, and sisters Ida, Edith, Helen, and Sabby (Elizabeth). Rita is also survived by a long list of nieces and nephews. She shared a particularly special bond with her nieces Matilda Madrigale, Jane Rivera, Betty and Jackie Bruno, Elaine and Patty Vizza, and her nephews Fredrick Madrigale, Michael Diasio, Fred and Danny Madrigale, Peter Vizza and the late Joe Vizza.

Rita worked for many years at Uniroyal before retiring to devote herself to what she cherished most – being a mother. Coming from a proud family of butchers, Rita spent her retirement years lending a hand at the family store, Madrigale Meats, in Feasterville. She was an exceptional cook and an even better baker. Her kitchen was her happy place, and she took great pride in sharing her recipes and traditions with the next generation.

Rita found immense joy in her grandchildren and loved every minute of being a grandmother. During the pandemic, Rita moved in with her son and his family, where she continued to be surrounded by love and laughter. She simply loved being in the company of her family and never failed to ask about everyone's day. In her later years, Rita became an avid Phillies and Sixers fan looking forward to watching every game with her grandkids.

Relatives and friends are invited to her life celebration at Galzerano Funeral Home, 9304 Old Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19115 on Tuesday evening, February 24 th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Wednesday morning February 25 th 9:00-10:00 a.m. Her mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Jerome Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. followed by Interment at St. Dominic's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her name to The St. Jerome CYO, Attention: The Jim Heisler CYO Memorial Scholarship, 3031 Stamford Street, Philadelphia, PA 19136.