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Rita Vitanza Obituary

RITA VITANZA (nee Parente), age 80 of Middleburg Heights, born in Formicola, Italy, passed away early morning on Christmas Eve. Beloved wife of Basilio for 65 years; loving and devoted mother of Jerry (Christine), Domenic (Kristine Marie Wilson) and Dino (Suzanne); dearest "Nonna" of Alexsandria, Basilio "Domenic", Olivia Murray (Charles), Santino and Vincent; daughter of Arturo and Francesca Parente (both deceased); sister of Maria Izzo (Antonio) (both deceased), Letizia Gallo (deceased) (Antonio), Rosa DiFilippo (Pietro) (both deceased), Gaspare "Tony" Parente (deceased) (Giuseppina), Linda Bolzan (Claudio, deceased), Luigi Parente (Yvonne), Giuseppe Parente (Madonna), Silvia Teresi (Joseph) and Domenic Parente (deceased); sister-in-law of Salvatore (Donna, deceased), Assunta Monastra (Calogero, deceased) and Franco (Maria), of Sicily; loving "Zia" of many nieces and nephews. Rita was a loving mother and grandmother. Her life was her family. She was loved and will be greatly missed. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bartholomew Church, 14865 Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, Wednesday December 31, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. Please meet at church. Entombment in the St. Jude Mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), TUESDAY from 2-7 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Cleveland.com from Dec. 26 to Dec. 28, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Rita Vitanza

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Siobhán O'Leary & Gary & Martin Drlik

December 30, 2025

Deepest condolences to all in the Vitanza family. Sending prayers. Gary & Martin Drlik & Siobhán O´Leary

Whispering Love Arrangement - BASKET INCLUDED

Bob and Becky Izzo

Sent Flowers

Tony and laura sidoti

December 28, 2025

Sincere condolences from Tony and laura sidoti

Memorial Tree

Marianna & Biagio Morgano

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Dennis and Nancy Sefcek

December 27, 2025

Sending condolences to the family at this sad time. May God strengthen your family and give you peace.

Rita was a wonderful person. She always brought a smile to our faces. She had a beautiful smile and a great, contagious laugh.
She and Basil, warm and welcoming people, were always glad to see you. We always saw them in Florida, when visiting for the winter. She will be missed, but live on in our memories.

Domenic Vitanza

December 26, 2025

My.mother was incredible. Words fail to describe a lifetime of memories and what she did for us.. I love and miss you forever RIP.MOM. your no longer suffering.

Ron and Barbara Braun

December 26, 2025

Basil and family,
Our heart aches for you and your family as you navigate this unimaginable loss. Rita´s impact on your lives is immeasurable, and her memory will continue to shine brightly.

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Memorial Events
for Rita Vitanza

Dec

30

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Ripepi Funeral Home

5762 Pearl Rd, Cleveland, OH 44129

Dec

31

Service

9:30 a.m.

St. Bartholomew Church

14865 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130

Funeral services provided by:

Ripepi Funeral Home - Parma

5762 Pearl Rd., Parma, OH 44129

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