In Our Care

Rita Rossi

June 29, 1934 - January 17, 2023

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Obituary For Rita Rossi

Rita Rossi, age 88, of Cambridge, Arlington, and Scottsdale, AZ, was a much beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She passed away on January 17, 2023, surrounded by the family that she adored.

Rita, who immigrated to America at just 16, was the owner and namesake of Rita’s Place restaurant in Chelsea and later Rita’s Catering of Everett. She devoted her life to sharing the home-cooking of her native Sicily with many loyal customers, friends, and employees, and she continued to cook professionally into her 70s, always bringing laughter to long, hard days in the kitchen. A true creative soul, Rita was also an avid painter and gardener, and she passed on these passions to her children and grandchildren.

Rita will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of experiencing her joyful spirit and infectious sense of humor, but most of all by her business partner, best friend, and husband of 72 years, Charlie. Ci manchi tantissimo.

All who knew Rita are invited to a celebration of her life at Mt Auburn Cemetery’s Story Chapel on Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 10 am – 11:30am. Following a brief service at 11:30 there will be an entombment. Guests are encouraged to wear color in honor of Rita. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Arnold Arboretum or the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, so that Rita may continue to share her love of nature and art with the world. Please visit devitofuneralhomes.com to leave an online condolence.

Services

28 Jan

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Story Chapel - Mt. Auburn Cemetery 580 Mt. Auburn St. Cambridge, MA 02138 Get Directions »
28 Jan

Funeral Service

11:30 AM

Story Chapel - Mt. Auburn Cemetery 580 Mt. Auburn St. Cambridge, MA 02138 Get Directions »
28 Jan

Entombment

12:30 PM

Mount Auburn Cemetery 580 Mount Auburn St. Cambridge, MA 02138 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 01/27/2023

    Deborah Rossi

    Mom you have been such a mentor to me. I will always admire your resilience and tenacity to overcome obstacles in your life. Your bravery, hard work and success set a standard that I still aspire to today. You passed on that magic ingredient of embracing the essence of life and family through art, cooking, humor, creativity, and compassion for nature. I am forever grateful that your life examples were an inspiration for my daughters to embrace many of those same traits. I love you and will keep your memories close to my heart each and everyday. Debbie

  • 01/23/2023

    Ava Walsh

    Dear Mom All my life you have loved me unconditionally. Your words were always humbling and caring. You taught me patience, respect, and how to embrace life with courage and strength. I will never forget how you comforted Giancarla and me during our darkest days when we could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for who I am. You will forever live in my heart and you can rest in peace knowing that dad will be well cared for. Love you forever, Ava

  • 01/21/2023

    Josie Lauria

    I had the opportunity to work with Rita for over 20 years. She was a great woman.

  • 01/21/2023

    Thomas Sartori

    A life well lived shall never be forgotten. With deepest condolences. The Sartori's

  • 01/20/2023

    Dave

    Rita was a classic and wonderful lady. She was the best mother in law any man could have. She is in my heart always. Dave Walsh

  • 01/20/2023

    Viria Sarraulte

    my condolences to the whole family.

  • 01/20/2023

    Viria Sarraulte

  • 01/20/2023

    Frank Hall

    I'm broken hearted, I worked alongside Rita for 11 years, she was such a wonderful woman I loved her so. She made me feel so much like Family. We had so many laughs it was such a rewarding time in my life. RIP Rita God Bless 🙏🙏 My Deepest Condolences to the Rossi Family.

  • 01/20/2023

    Nineth

    Very sorry for your loss. Nineth

  • 01/20/2023

    Corine Mazza

    Sending you all prayers and my deepest sympathies in this difficult time.The Mazza's Corine and Wayne

  • 01/20/2023

    Yami

    My deepest condolences. Rita is always in my heart. Yami

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