I extend my deep sympathies to Carl and David and Maria and all who knew and loved Rita.
I had the great honor of knowing Rita through the Ford Foundation Fellowship Program.  Rita was an award recipient and then gave generously of her time for decades as a Regional Liaison, mentor, esteemed researcher and teacher, trusted evaluator and dear friend and colleague to many.
Rita approached everything with a positive spirit and enthusiasm.
We often attended Mass together when we attended the same meetings and, even once, brought up the gifts at the Offertory of the Mass.
We attended Mass on October 5, 2019 at the Cathedral in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Rita received the Anointing of the Sick at that time.  I continue to thank God that we were together for that special and sacred time together.
I know Rita will bless her loved ones and all she knew and mentored from her Heavenly home. She spoke so lovingly of Carl and David and Maria. Our prayers are with them especially at this time.
Rita went to Heaven on the feast of Pope St. John XXIII who was known for these attributes: open-hearted, loving, caring, funny, generous yet seriously concerned for the future. Rita and he are kindred spirits, I believe.

Dear David, Maria, and Dr. Urban,

We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Colón-Urban’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your profound loss. Dr. Colón-Urban was an extraordinary individual whose warmth, kindness, and generosity touched so many lives, including mine.

Dr. Colón-Urban never stopped supporting her students, even nearly three decades after graduation. I know science because of her; I am a physician-scientist because of her. Her mentorship and encouragement were instrumental in shaping my career, and I will always be grateful for her guidance.

Dr. Colón-Urban’s love for her family was truly inspiring, and I cannot imagine the loss her absence brings. I hope Dr Urban, David, and Maria find comfort in the memories you built together and the legacy she leaves behind through the beautiful family.

Please know that our thoughts are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Wishing you peace, strength, and the comfort of cherished memories.

Warm regards,
Fassil and Natalie Mesfin

My deepest sympathies to the Urban Family. Dr. Colon- Urban was my  Comparative Anatomy and Microbiology professor when I attended SUNY OW. I remember her most as being dedicated to me and my fellow students instilling passion in the subjects she taught. Her method of teaching reached me in such a way that it set the foundation for my career in the pharmaceutical industry, for which I am grateful. Know that she was impactful and will be missed.

Rita is one of my favorite people I have ever met in my lifetime
I am lucky to have known her

As a SUNY Old Westbury college administrator for 40 years, I had the pleasure of working with Rita in her various capacities at the college.  First and foremost as an esteemed professor, Rita was dedicated to her students and their success. Her departmental administrative roles often required collaboration with the Financial Aid Office, the Bursar and the Office of the Registrar: the offices where I built my career. Rita's approach was always direct and respectful, with her requests focused on student's needs. 
Rita's diminutive stature coupled with her soft spoken tone, was often misleading, particularly in her role as Faculty Senate President where she proved to be a  formidable opponent.
Off campus, Kiko and I are fortunate to call Rita and Carl our friends. Over the years, we enjoyed many a party with our mutual friends- good conversations over good food and good wine. Rita was so much fun. She was a gentle, caring woman who leaves many beautiful memories with her family and friends.
Que este con Dios.
With much love,
Pat Smith and Kiko Franco

Dear Carl & Family

I'm sorry for your loss. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family.

Liz Matos-Mendoza

In addition to being a wonderful mother and spouse, educator, and amateur executive chef, Rita brought an indomitable spirit of positive energy to every interaction. She engaged with people focusing on their interests and lives in such an unselfish way to bring out the best in all of us. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten ❤️

Our love 🙏🏼 / Michael, Cynthia, Mikey, Hannah, and Sarah George

Miss you Rita !  Very saddened by your passing .  Your fondest memories will always remain.  RIP!!!!

Sending heartfelt condolences to Carl, Maria, David and other members of their family. Rita was my colleague and friend for over 45 years at SUNY Old Westbury. She was among the earliest faculty members in Biological Sciences, making important contributions to the development of the department’s curriculum and student research training activities. She was an excellent teacher and scientist who within one year of her arrival in 1979 received NIH funding for her research project investigating biologically active substances from marine invertebrates, especially bryozoans. Later, she pivoted her research efforts to studying antibiotic resistance. Mentoring students in research and career advising were integral to her as a scientist. She directly mentored more than two dozen students in research and advised many more on their career paths. She published her research in peer reviewed journals and received wide recognition for her research and student training activities. Rita and I worked together for many years on undergraduate research and training programs that I directed at Old Westbury. This includes 15 years with the Minority Biomedical Research Support (MBRS) program and 10 years with the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) program. She served as Associate Program Director of MARC during this period, including one year as Acting Director when I was on leave. Through all of these activities she positively touched the lives of hundreds of students and inspired her professional colleagues to work hard in support of student success. Her loss will be profoundly felt by her former students and professional colleagues at Old Westbury. Her legacy remains. 
Robert M. Hoyte

I keep thinking of Rita laughing in her office and talking excitedly about her students' success and telling me funny stories about her children, Maria and David, and her husband Carl. She had a delightful laugh. Her whole face smiled. It was wonderful. Rita lived on the same street where I lived with my wife in Queens, NY. Over more than 20 years I saw her children grow up and felt the love emanating from the family she and Carl created. Rita and Carl--a wonderful couple finishing each other's sentences and proud of each other's latest achievements and so proud of their children. This was long before I came to SUNY Old Westbury. What a delightful surprise to discover Rita and I were colleagues at the College when I began service there as director of its Honors College. When I saw Rita at college events, she always had something to say that made me laugh and relax. She helped so many students, inspiring and mentoring them.  She raised two beautiful children and had a loving husband who praised her fulsomely whenever we spoke.  Carl and I shared stories of how our wives inspired us to complete PhDs.  He and I knew how fortunate we were. We were all fortunate to have Rita in our lives. My wife and I moved from that street in Queens long ago, but I bumped into Maria at a local market recently and she told me about her mother's health. I had lost touch with the family and was so glad to see Maria, who is now an educator helping many students as her mother did and talking about their success excitedly and with great love. When Maria spoke of her mom, her whole face smiled--so much like Rita's. Rita continues to give the world her gifts.  Thank you, Rita.

I loved making my mother laugh. Since she was a very smart woman my jokes or humorous phrases would be delivered many times cleverly. This is one of the many ways we connected. I’ve always enjoyed making others laugh through wit and charm, but my mother’s laugh and smile just made everything ecstatic in the moment. I hugged this woman everyday of my life. It was just one of those things I had to do in a day 🫂. If I reach out when it’s my time, I hope to see your face with open arms.

My mother made my sister and I happier than we were elsewhere. More importantly, I think my sister and I honestly never wanted anything more than to see my mother smile, hear her laugh and be filled with joy. Give Raspberry a big kiss for both of us.

September 1990. 

We will love you always Mom.

Throughout my almost 40 years with my mother, I truly believe in my engagement with her that her wedding day was the single most important day for her. My mother had found someone with the same amount of love necessary to offer her, and everything she would desire. When you embody that much love you deserve an individual who can love as effortlessly and willingly. Marriage is a sacrament and allowed her to profess her devotion to God and her heart with supreme loyalty, respect, and pride. Her marriage to my father would become the foundation for the true loves of her life. Her husband, son, and daughter. Each of these individuals would receive and reciprocate her love. On this day I truly felt my mother had found a love that required no faith. She would never search again and never wonder what true love was. I told her in the last few months: “God is with you and we are with you.” On the day of her marriage it was the same. Both love and God unified and immortalized.

Evening before 8th grade graduation party. 
Summer of ‘99

I loved taking pictures with my mother in the rare moments I asked for a photo to be taken. I can’t say there was anyone I was naturally closest to in the sense of warm embraces.

My mother admired all things beautiful and blended in seamlessly with nature, colors, and precious moments.

New Year’s Eve 1986

I will miss her smile more than anyone’s, for hers was genuine. Never forced, but a pure expression of absolute happiness.

Jersey- “The country” 

What an honor to be raised among the gentlest females…each one of them were classy, dear, and protective of me..I hope all 3 of them are now reunited in a place as serene as the country side in mid fall 🍂 .

My deepest condolences to Maria, David, and Carl. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so grateful for the friendship with Maria that allowed me to have moments with Rita, especially memories in her home. I appreciate how she always received me with open arms and I cherish the times we ate her home cooked meals.  She was so welcoming, kind, funny, and radiant. 

Rita, I truly admired you. You were the most intelligent , graceful , kind, and loving woman. Amazing in all other aspects of your life - in your career and as a wife and mother. A superwoman! and a beautiful soul that will be missed here on earth. 

I will forever treasure the memory of Rita and Carl coming to my engagement party in April. They were always an inspiring couple and complimented each other like no other.  Her spirit added a special spark to the celebration. Her salsa skills were unmatched and it was a true blessing to have her presence. Those joyful moments of all of us dancing and laughing together will forever hold a special place in my heart. 
I know you will continue to shine from up above. 

Love, 
Stephanie

This is from Alissa's and Stephen's wedding. We were honored to have you and Rita at Mark's brothers' table.

Two beautiful children that fulfilled our lives

7/26/20

My mother feeding her mind on a beautiful Sunday (her favorite day of the week). Her mind and soul were constantly reinforced.

Rita was not in only my colleague for more than three decades; she and Carl were our neighbors and treasured friends for many years. During the time before their son David and daughter Maria came into their lives, Rita had become our guardian angel who would take care of our daughter Nicole ( who was just three or four years old), so that my wife and I could have a relaxed evening out. Now that our daughter is a mother herself, we remind her of the times that Rita would come and pick us up to take us to a nearby park whenever the snow was  deep enough to slide down the hill — she and Nicole laughing and screaming all the way down, where I awaited to make sure they didn’t end up in a small lake at the end of the run!! They bonded over their mischievous streak. 
Those occasions, and the many incredible meals in their home ( she was not only a Distinguished Professor but also a fabulous cook), endeared both Rita and Carl to our family. We will never forget our reaction upon learning that Rita and Nicole shared the same birthday. No wonder she enjoyed Rita’s company so much. Rita and her family will always be remembered, especially on that day. 
We were all very saddened by her passing and wish Carl, David and Maria our deepest condolences.  May you find solace in your wonderful memories with her.

Carl, Maria, David and Family,
My heartfelt condolences on this huge loss.  I had the pleasure of meeting Rita long ago at an event at St Agnes HS and then at NYPQ when she came to support our research events.  Also, Carl regaled us with great stories and updates on their family trips and her achievements.  It was beautiful to hear.
Will always remember her beautiful, intelligent, and kind soul.  Que Dios te tenga en su gloria y descanses en paz.

12/25/18

My mother LOVED Christmas. She was warmer than any fireplace burning throughout the winter. By her side, a son would never be closer to the sun.

12/25/20

The angel in their outfield ⚾️ 🪽.

We miss you sweet Rita, thank you for your presence in our lives and your "big sister support. We cherish the good memories!

Dr. Colon-Urban was a valued member of the Ford Fellows community, trusted and respected for her contributions. I recall spending time with her at many Ford conferences in Washington, D.C. and remember well her updates on her children and family. I will miss seeing her as I did the last time in Washington when the Ford Fellows program appeared to be nearing the end of its term. I send my sympathies to her family and many colleagues. QEPD.

Dr. Rita Colón Urban was my professor and mentor but more than that she was a friend and like a mother to me. Under her professional guidance as an educator I solidified my respect and adoration of biological science, experienced the excitement of performing laboratory experiments and presented award winning research. Dr. Colón pushed me to excel. She nurtured me when I needed it and gave me tough motherly love to achieve my potential when I fell complacent. She was my greatest cheerleader, loudly and quickly informing the Old Westbury family of my achievements. Like a proud mom, she loved to flaunt the successes of her students during our studies and long after we graduated. She took a vested interest not just in me but in my family (husband and children). She looked forward to regular updates on their development and the annual school photos so she can see their physical growth as well. My daughter was 2 years old when I met Dr. Colón Urban and she is now 20. For 18 years we were lucky to have Dr. Colón Urban be a part of our family and we are eternally grateful. We thank Dr. Carl, David and Maria for sharing her with us. Dr Rita Colón Urban was a petite woman in stature with an abundance of love to share with those of us who were lucky enough to cross her path. 
Rest in peace and thank you for being all of the woman that you were! 

Love and miss you much,
Kim

Years ago I hosted a family party and received a lovely thank you note from Rita.  I kept it for many years and still remember her words..

“It was the best of times..it was a wonderful time and we thought it would last forever”

Rita may have left us physically but the joy she sprinkled on all who knew her will remain with us until our forever is no more…

Love, Linda

Dear Charlie, Maria & David:
Sending my most heartfelt condolences at this unimaginable loss to us all.  Rita was such an unassuming but inspiring & accomplished woman. 
 I think for us, Christmas really began each year with the announcement: 
“ the Urbans have arrived “.
Rita, I always loved talking to you & Always appreciated your gentle hint that it was time for the Bible reading.  ( I tended to forget). Each child would take turns reading the Nativity Story & a candle would be lit to commemorate His Birthday.   So like you to remember that.        We love you, Rita, & in time the tears will soften & a smile will begin for how lucky we are to love you forever.  
Todays church reading: “ Yet all good things come to me in her company & countless riches at her hands.”
Love from “Margie”

Remembering a very sweet lady — Mrs. Urban to me, or Maria’s mom ❤️ I’ll always remember the sweet smile and warm hugs when I used to come by to meet maria, even though maria hurried out of the house (Mommmmm, don’t embarrass me!) But we always left saying “ Bendición”. 

I know that the greatest gift of all is the love you shared with your family. Thank you for being the sweet angel in your family’s life, and I know you are watching over them all already. You are a beautiful soul, and their guardian angel.

Dear Charlie, Maria and David:
Words cannot begin to convey how sorry I am for the loss of this wonderful woman.  I remember leaving Rose and Bob's Christmas party in Piscataway Charlie, while you stood in the doorway waving to us with your arm around your lovely soon-to-be bride.  How lucky we all were to have been blessed to join in her life.  
When I was getting my master's degree at Rutgers years ago Rita sent me a message that she would be speaking to a group on campus and would I like to join them.  This student of Social Work sat in her audience listening to her speak about "Bryozoans".  And yes, now almost 30 years later I still remember the topic because she was that amazing of an educator.  She would later share her experience of being the only woman in an all male research crew (and the creativity it would require to house her!)  What opportunities she must have opened to the women who followed her.  
Personally she was always a true inspiration.  Her and Charlie's adoption journey would inspire me to take my own journey to have a family.  She was such a proud mother.  Each Christmas she would arrive wearing a special piece of jewelry that she received from her "wonderful husband".   What a special example your marriage was for us all.  That commitment to family seen may times over as you made that brutal trip to NJ each year to make sure you shared that holiday with us.  
Rita will be greatly missed but I assure you that she has left her finger prints all over.  She has certainly left this world a better place and I am so grateful for having known her.
With all my love,
Heidi Geissel

Thank you for always being kind, funny and welcoming. Thank you for raising 
 my best friend. I know you will be missed by many but I know you are watching down on them all. 
 
 My condolences to your loved ones.

Dear husband, Bob and children of the magnificent Dr. Rita Colon Urban:

I taught at SUNY Old Westbury from 1975-2018 in Psychology. I adored your wife, mother and our consummate teacher, researcher and woman of service. Dedicated to kindness and excellence from her toes to the top of her head to and to social justice, my colleague was a force of nature. We spent much time sharing the work load of various committees. Rita was possessed of great intellect, an unswerving commitment to advancing her students and a warmth, kindness and sense of humor I always enjoyed. We trusted each other  as we shared reveling in (and at times complaining about) our academic careers, our motherhood and sisterhood. When I last enjoyed my friend we were at a dinner with the equally gifted husband, Bob  and with her science colleagues at a Portuguese restaurant near the college. We had so much pleasure that evening,  relaxed and sharing with each other. 

With this current message to me first from my long time friend Duncan and then another dear colleague, Fernando, I was crushed to hear of the passing of Rita Colon Urban, PhD. 

Their notifications came a few days following the notification that another one of our dear colleagues,  Manya Mascareno from Biology had passed. Rita’s passing seems another hard blow to accept, and to know that we won’t be sharing any more time with her. 

I send my heartfelt empathy to Rita’s children (we shared many good times trading our experiences as moms) and her partner in life, her adored husband. From my Eastern European immigrant family cultural heritage,  when a beautiful human passes on we say: May her memory be for a blessing. May dear Rita’s memory always be for a blessing.

Rita, my godmother ♥️ I am so heartbroken that you're not longer with us on earth but I'm so happy to have known and been raised by you. Thank you for all the times you showered me with love, whether it was making sure me and Maria were okay when I was over your house, or the times you remembered important moments, like when you sent me a card on my 30th birthday. We are so lucky to have had you in our lives. Please give Nikki and Zach a pat on the head for me.

This was taken 1/31/24. I was off that day which meant I would wake up to the presence of my mother who was now retired. I can’t describe the feeling and impact of my mother’s presence throughout my life. She was infinite love, warmth, peace, and joy. I insisted she take a picture with me to capture the feeling she gave me and be able to look at herself and see beauty personified. No one could provoke a smile on my face the way my mother did.

Rita and I spent many hours together in the copy room with many laughs. She always said:  Lee, I don’t know what I would do withou you.  
She was a lovely soul. 
My sincere condolences to the family. 
Lee Conradi

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Rita Colon-Urban

17 octobre 1940 – 11 octobre 2024

Frederick Funeral Home

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