Rita M. Simonetti

RITA M. SIMONETTI, 81, of Cranston, passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2016. She was the wife of the late Anthony V. Simonetti whom she had celebrated 49 years of wedded bliss. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late John and Eda (D’Amario) Albanese. She had resided in Cranston since 1959.

She is survived by her children, Dr. Anthony J. Simonetti and his wife, Ansu G. Cai of Beachwood, OH, David P. Simonetti of New York, NY, John A. Simonetti, AIA of Cranston, Kirk R. Simonetti of Park Slope, NY and Bruce E. Simonetti and his wife, Paula (Androw) Simonetti of Short Hills, NJ; three cherished grandchildren, Isabella G. Simonetti, Nicholas B. Simonetti and Victoria A. Simonetti. She was predeceased by her brother, John C. Albanese of Cranston and her daughter-in-law, Pamela R. Champine of New York, NY.
Rita graduated from Classical High School Magna Cum Laude class of 1952, Pembroke College/Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, class of 1956, and received a Master of Arts in teaching from Rhode Island Collage, class of 1972. Throughout her life she attended various enrichment programs. Her pursuit of knowledge was inexhaustible, which she engrained into all of her children and grandchildren.

Her extensive educational pursuits allowed her opportunities as a Medical Laboratory Technician at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA, and Charles V. Chapin Hospital in Providence, Certified teacher and Vice President of the PTA in the Cranston School System and a realtor in the Rhode Island area. For over 20 years she served as a volunteer for Brown University, she was the fundraising specialist in the Development Office, awarded special citations, served on the Educational Panel, coordinated phonations, Major Gift and Reunion Class Gift Campaigns and was elected as Reunion Class Gifts Campaign Chairperson and Alumnae Commencement Marshall.
Beside her scholarly, vocational and philanthropic pursuits throughout her life, Rita always felt her crowning achievement were her five educated sons, her life’s top priority.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 10:00 am at St. Mary Church, 1525 Cranston St., Cranston. Visitation respectfully omitted. Entombment will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.