Vita "Rita" Detrizio

Vita "Rita" Detrizio (Magarelli) was born on August 10, 1931, a light in one of the darkest chapters of the Great Depression, to Angelina and Tomaso Magarelli. Two years earlier, her parents-facing unimaginable hardship-had made the painful decision not to bring another child into the world. But when Angelina became pregnant with Rita, her terminally ill brother, Vito, urged her to "keep this one." She did-and the world is brighter for it.

Rita grew up in Hoboken, New Jersey, the beloved youngest of five children with her older siblings, Carty, Leo, Rose, and Jensie. As a young girl, she helped her mother take care of the home while her brothers served in World War II. When they returned safely in 1945, the family was filled with overwhelming joy at being reunited.

In the early 1950s, through her sister Rose, Rita met a young man named Mauro, who would become the love of her life. They married in 1954 and built a life together in Lyndhurst, where they raised their two daughters, Theresa and Angela.

Rita and Mauro shared a deep and enduring love until his passing in 1991. Together, they became proud grandparents to Lauren, Carly, and Brendan. Rita cherished every moment with her grandchildren-playing Gin Rummy and poker, cooking macaroni, potatoes and eggs, watching old movies, and listening to Frank Sinatra.

By 2026, Rita's family had grown to include two great-grandchildren, Adriana (5) and Carmela (2), who brought her immense joy. She treasured every visit and every laugh shared with them.

On Tuesday, April 7th, at the age of 94, Rita passed away peacefully in her sleep at home surrounded by loved ones. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, her parents, and her siblings-just as joyful as the day her family was reunited after the war.

Rita leaves behind a legacy of love in her seven descendants-and counting. They were her heart, and her spirit lives on within them.

Survived by her daughter Teri with husband Larry Quirk, daughter Angela, granddaughter Lauren with husband Gregory Loffredo, granddaughter Carly Quirk, grandson Brendan Quirk, and great granddaughters Adriana and Carmela Loffredo.

She also is survived by her sister-in-law JoAnne Detrizio, sister-in-law Rose Galassi and brother-in-law Nino Galassi.

Forever in our Hearts