Henrietta "Rita" DiPiazza

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved and cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Henrietta Ida (Looft) DiPiazza, who left us peacefully on November 14, 2024, at the age of 94.

Born on September 24th in Staten Island, N.Y., Henrietta, lovingly dubbed “Rita” by her dear husband and family and "Mushkie" by her mom, lived a life full of love, kindness, and generosity. She was the daughter of Otto Looft and Ella Looft (Limper) and moved to Mt. Bethel, PA, when she was a year old with her parents and brother (Harold). She lived on a farm, attending school in Easton, PA before moving to Germany in 1938 with her family at 8 years old, just before WWII, to take care of aging grandparents and secure work. She remained in Germany throughout the war until 1947 when, at 17 years old, she returned to America with her brother.

She worked as a maid initially and then as a bank clerk in NYC. She joined a choir group along with her brother, where she met her beloved husband, Vincent DiPiazza. Henrietta married Vincent in 1955, and together they built a home and raised a beautiful family in Staten Island, NY, before moving to Toms River in 1981. They spent their retirement years traveling throughout the United States, with Alaska being one of their favorite destinations. She joins in heaven her husband, Vincent, whom she was married to for nearly 65 years; son, John; brother, Harold; her parents; and brothers- and sisters-in-law.

She is survived by her children: daughter Janet and son-in-law Jeffrey Valvik of Bethlehem, PA; son Frank and daughter-in-law Lori DiPiazza of Bayville, NJ; and daughter-in-law Cathy DiPiazza of Franklin, TN. Grandchildren: Alicia Paul and husband Darek, Melissa Rowbottom and husband Steve, Jamie DiPiazza, Jennifer Sharesky and husband Michael, Gregory Valvik, Rebecca James and husband George, James DiPiazza and wife Vivianna, and Andrew DiPiazza. Great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Mason, Lily, Morgan, Liam, Theodore, Sienna, Sophie, and Reagan. Nieces and nephews: Ellen Looft-Rozos, Robert Looft, and their families, and many more extended family members.

Her family and friends will always remember her for her steady presence and gentle nature. She had a special talent for homemaking, crafting, and horticulture, and her cheesecakes were loved by all who had the pleasure of experiencing them. Her legacy is her family and the value they hold in togetherness.

Calling hours will be held Friday, November 22, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Road, Toms River, NJ. An additional calling hour will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the funeral home from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. A memorial service will be held at the Funeral Home from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM followed by Mausoleum entombment at Ocean County Memorial Park in Toms River, NJ.

In addition to receiving flowers, contributions in Henrietta's memory may also be made to the Alzheimer's Association, by visiting www.alz.org.

We will forever hold her in our hearts and cherish the memories we shared. Rest in peace, dear Henrietta.