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Loyola University Maryland

RITA SCOTTI Obituary

SCOTTI--Rita Angelica, who wrote under the name R.A. Scotti, died on February 25 in New York City. Among her many books are Sudden Sea and Vanished Smile. Known for her spontaneous sense of humor, Kiki loved a pun nearly as much as a facetious barb. Her attire was always stylish, her demeanor lively. She had the ability to take command of a situation and help others through difficult times. Beloved by family and friends, she will be missed, but not forgotten. Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Evans Chigounis of New York City; her daughter, Francesca, of Bronxville, NY; and nine siblings: Maria Chapin, Elena Scotti, Alicia Scotti Mandel, and Ciro Scotti of New York City; Frank Scotti, Paula Shevlin, and Joseph Scotti of Jamestown, RI; Barbara Riehle of Washington; and Peter Scotti of Cranston, R.I. Burial will be in Providence on March 6. A memorial service is being planned. Donations to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or The New York Public Library in lieu of flowers please.

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

Published by New York Times on Mar. 4, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for RITA SCOTTI

21 Entries

Rick Spencer

September 27, 2024

I have read and re-read my signed copy of `Sudden Sea´, which holds a place of honor in our library. Thank you R A for a wonderful book.
Rick Spencer
Edgewood RI

Betsy Shea-Taylor

July 15, 2021

Some just gave me a rumpled old copy of Sudden Sea, and today, completely astonished at the power and nuance and deftness of the writing, I went online to see if I could contact the author with compliments.

Astonished again: I, too, was a copy girl in the ProJo newsroom long, long ago.

My admiration for RA is testament to the way creative people live forever, as long as a new admirer comes along. I have. The book is excellent!

A brief life, a profoundly robust legacy of brilliance.

Trevor and Susan Jones

March 31, 2010

We were stunned to hear of Rita’s passing.

We first met Rita in our apartment building when we had a problem with a heavy tapping over our heads every night. We learnt that the noise was Rita busy at her typewriter above our bedroom. The mystery was solved, and our friendship began.

For 30 years our friendship grew as we wove in and out of each other’s lives. We shared a beautiful summer in Jamestown in 1986 and our two families grew very close before we moved to Australia at the end of that summer.

We used to see each during our visits to New York and exchanged cards during the holidays. Rita will never leave our hearts. She brought richness and colour to all our lives and will be remembered forever.

Dottie McEvoy

March 18, 2010

Francesca and Evans, I was so very sad to hear of your loss. Rita Angelica (she was truly an angel here on earth) was a wonderful friend who I meet when she entered you (Francesca) in pre-school at Convent of the Sacred Heart and I entered Colleen, my daughter. You two were best friends and I found a wonderful friend in Rita. She was brillant, so talented, hard working, dedicated to you both but so much fun. She had such a great sense of humor, such wonderful style and she was also very beautiful. Even though we saw each other seldom with the distance,I will miss her very much. I loved receiving her Christmas cards which we exchanged for 25 years.

Maureen Bell Broglia

March 12, 2010

A spontaneous friendship began with Rita through her guest author appearance at Rutgers Institute of Marine & Coastal Sciences a few years ago. How interesting that she should be a Providence girl [me too] and that we could share our stories and love of the ocean state. She was fun, brilliantly talented, and a joy to know. God bless Rita and her family
. Maureen Bell Broglia

Louis Allyn

March 8, 2010

I was very sad to learn of Rita's passing. Since my great interest is the Hurricane of 1938, I introduced myself and we became e-mail friends after she spoke at the Westerly Library about "Sudden Sea' and then at a book signing in Mystic. I was pleased that she accepted my gift of the "50th Anniversary Hurricane '38 Edition of The (Stonington) Compass" which was not in her bibliography. After that we talked a little about her next project "Basilica" which I very much enjoyed reading.
I am sure her family and friends will always miss her.
Lou

Myrna Lamb

March 7, 2010

To all of Kiki's relatives and friends, on the premature loss of your beloved Kiki, you have my deepest sympathy. I have fond memories of visits to your family home in Providence, of RISD with Maria, art classes at my studio taught by Paula, a visit from Dr. and Mrs. Scotti in Rome, and of my daughter, just learning to crawl, exploring your home. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Myrna

Margaret (Peggy) Paliotta

March 4, 2010

Rita (Kiki), was like a sister to me. She worked with me at The Providence Journal in the Newsroom. We were the best of friends and I was so heartbroken that she passed away. We lost touch over the years so when I read of her death, I was shocked because I didn't realize she was ill. I will never forget her; she was very special to me. My sympathy goes out to her husband and family.

Carol Radoccia Denham

March 4, 2010

My sincere condolences to Rita's family. I knew Rita from our many years at Elmhurst. She was a gentle and kind person. I had recently read and enjoyed some of her books expecially the Hurricane and St Peter's Basilica. I am glad to have known her.

March 4, 2010

I met Rita through a work situation almost 14 years ago. Rita and I sat next to each other for several months, during a time which was, in retrospect, probably one of the most painful points in my life. I had a new baby, had just gone back to work at a new job, and during all of this change had a mother who was dying of cancer. Sitting next to me was an amazing woman named RIta Scotti. She was one of the most helpful people I have ever met. Every morning she would come in to her cubicle, quietly turn on her computer, and then ask me how I was without imposing. She let me know that I would be ok and that life was just ridiculous sometimes.

My deepest sympathies to her family and friends. She was a kind person. I imagine I am not alone in telling a story like this.

Rae Grant (NYC)

JOHN FALLON

March 4, 2010

KITTY AND ANDY JOIN WITH ME IN EXPRESSING OUR SORROW AS, ONCE AGAIN, YOU HAVE BEEN SO DEEPLY WOUNDED.PLEASE ACCEPT OUR CONTINUING PRAYERS AND AFFECTION.

March 3, 2010

My Dear Friends, I am at such a lost as to what to say. I wil miss Kik i so much. I considered her a very dear friend. She has helped me fil the void I have felt since your Mom passed away. I ill miss her terribly. She will always hold a very special place in my heart. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with all of you. With Much Love, John.

Don Morash

March 3, 2010

Peter and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolances on the passing of your sister. I am sure your memories of her will help you all through these difficult days.
Don Morash

Mr. Fred & Joan D'Ambrosia

March 2, 2010

Sending our deepest sympathy for your dear family and hope you find comfort in your loving memories of Rita. We recently received a Christmas card from Rita and we are in terrible shock. Our prayers are with you all. Sincerely Fred (the barber)& Joan D'Ambrosia

Jean Newberry

March 1, 2010

Dear Dwyer) Scotti cousins:
In her later years, My sister Katherine and I enyoyed visiting with your mother on the front porch, learning where you all were and what you were doing. We heard a lot about Kiki and especially of the 1938 hurricane story. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jean (Ballard)Finnerty Newberry

A Wright

March 1, 2010

My sincerest condolences go out to you and your family. May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief. Ps 37:10,11

Maggi Hayes

March 1, 2010

Although I only really knew
Kiki through my brother, Jack Mac Manus, I remember fondly the stories Jack would bring home to us.

There are no words to express the depth of sadness one feels with the loss of a mother, sibling, child or friend.....there is only the expression of shared loss. An understanding we each sadly and with great difficulty experience in our parallel journeys in this life.

Because of that, I send heartfelt wishes for a softening of that pain of loss in the wonderful memories that you cherish.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Sincerely,
Maggi Hayes

Jack MacManus

March 1, 2010

There are no words to tell you the deep, heartfelt sorrow I feel on the sad occasion of Kiki's death. The Scotti's were my second family growing up and Kiki and I were high school sweethearts. We went to each others school dances and proms. It is my wish for all of you that the sadness you are feeling will ease and you will find comfort in your loving memories of times shared with Kiki.

March 1, 2010

PETER & FAMILY , SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS . OUR HEART GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY LOVE JOHN VENTILATO & FAMILY & BRIAN POOR & FAMILY

Katia

March 1, 2010

My deepest sympathy to the Scotti family. Dr. Scotti was our family doctor until his retirement. I taught at Classical with Rita's aunt and when I became a mom, my favorite place to shop was Les Enfants, Rita's mom's specialty shop. Dr. Scotti shared anecdotes about his children. Growing up, I looked forward to my doctor's visits to hear about Rita and Maria and their adventures. If feel as though a member of a Rhode Island dynasty has left us. She will be missed but not forgotten.

Maureen Moore

March 1, 2010

Peter & Family,
Skip & I are truly sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
Our Deepest Sympathy.
(Heather's Mom)

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