Rita June Funi

With compassion, wisdom and joy, Rita (Sapareto) Funi enriched the lives of her family, friends, and students for 98 years. Her love of people, and her genuine interest in their lives fostered hundreds of relationships throughout her life; each one she regarded as a gift to be cherished.

Rita was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts to Alice (Faretta) and Louis Sapareto, the fourth child in a series of bright, fun-loving boys. Quiet and sensitive, Rita celebrated life through music – devoting endless hours to playing the piano and listening to music of all genres. Some of her fondest memories were playing two-part piano, jamming with her brothers on a Sunday afternoon, and going to the opera with her father. Later, she would say her best day was the day she took a class in logic at Boston University and not only found a great tutor but a wonderful and loving life partner, her husband Don Funi, to whom she was married for 61 years.

Rita majored in music as an undergraduate at University of Lowell, and went on to receive a Master of Arts in Education from Columbia University. She later specialized in early childhood education and taught in the Andover, Massachusetts school system for many years. Energized and stimulated by eager young students, she was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award in 1976 – a testament to her love of children and learning. It is said that Mrs. Funi instilled in her students and her off-spring what she said her piano teacher, Mrs. Robinson, instilled in her - the rewards of “Practice, practice, practice,” and to “never give up”.

Predeceased by her husband Don in 2011, she leaves her children, Funi Burdick and her husband David, Mickey Funi and his wife Marcia, and Jennie Funi. She also leaves two grandchildren whom she adored, Ben Burdick and his wife Maria, and Cara Funi - and one cherished great granddaughter Iliada Zervos Burdick (age 2) as well as several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Memorial Service at Holy Family Catholic Church on Monday July 31, 2023 at 11:00am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Funi family.