Born December 15, 1923, died February 14, 2022 of Falls Church, Virginia, passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 98 on Monday, February 14, 2022. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 53 years, Martin; parents Pasquale and Mary Theresa Masterino; brothers Frank, Chris, Albert, Alfred and Rudolph; sisters Clara, Mary, Adele, and Amelia; daughter-in-law Linda, and son-in-law Wilfrid. She is survived by her five children: Martin (Lisa), Kathleen, Mary Carol (Wayne), Glenn (Penny), and Judy (Brian); grandchildren: Sarah (Robert), Kelly, Joseph (Virginia), Thomas, William, Andrew, Katherine, Gillian, Tatum and Meghan; and great-grandchildren: Cameron, Zoe, Mason and Robert. In addition to her family members, she leaves many nieces, nephews, and friends with whom she shared joyful memories.
Rita was born on December 15, 1923, in Pittsburgh, PA. She attended St. Boniface Catholic grade school and North Allegheny High School. She had a mischievous spirit, often making her classmates laugh without getting caught by the nuns. While growing up, Rita would help her mother deliver homemade bread to the neighbors, and iron her brothers’ clothes for their dates.
As a young working woman, Rita attended night school where she studied business, stenography, and accounting. In 1958, she married her love Martin, “Marty,” at St. Boniface Catholic Church. During their early married years, they were blessed with five children. In 1966, Marty’s government work with the Department of Defense brought them to Falls Church, VA, where they raised their children. They were parishioners of St. Philip Catholic Church. As a devoted parishioner, Rita was a member of the Legion of Mary, attending church bingo nights and bazaars with her friends.
Rita returned to the workforce in the 1970’s with the Department of Defense, Military Traffic Management Command as an administrative assistant in the Telecommunications division. Since Rita and Marty worked in the same building, they commuted together to work. Rita retired from government service in the early 1990’s and joined Marty in his retirement. In celebration of her 80th birthday, Rita traveled to Italy with her daughter and happily embraced her Italian heritage.
Rita had an abounding love for her children and grandchildren. She always looked forward to gatherings with family and friends. Rita will be remembered for her generosity, passion and love of life, infectious smile, and warm welcoming heart.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Philip Catholic Church.
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