Rita R. (DeNafio) Rizzo, of Stoneham, formerly of Medford, passed away on Saturday, August 10th. She was 91. Born and raised in Medford, she was the daughter of the late Albert J. and Rose Marie (Marzeoti) DeNafio. Rita enjoyed many dedicated years of service at the Medford Credit Union up to her retirement.
Rita was a diehard Boston sports team fanatic, especially when it came to the RedSox and Patriots. Two of her favorite all-star players were Ted Williams and Tom Brady. When she was not watching baseball or football, Rita enjoyed frequent trips to the casino, traveling throughout the country, grabbing a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants, crocheting, and most of all spending time with her family and friends.
Rita was the devoted mother of Cathy A. Tarani and her husband Alex A. of Stoneham. She was the loving grandmother of Jacqueline Tarani of Stoneham and Jillian DiPrimio and her husband Jason of North Andover, and the loving great-grandmother of Mariella and Vincent DiPrimio. She was the dear sister of the late Ralph “Babe” DeNafio, and Francis DeNafio, and the former wife of the late James T. Rizzo. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and longtime friend Charles Dell of Stoneham.
Her funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Friday, August 16th at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Thursday 4 – 8 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.