Obituary for Rita Ann Athey
Rita Ann Athey (nee Vinciguerra), age 97, of Mount Royal (formerly of Gloucester City and Westville) passed away peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2023.
Rita was the daughter of the late Rose and Lt. Colonel Armando Vinciguerra, US Army Ret. She was very patriotic stemming from her military upbringing and that was evident by her attire and home decorating on Memorial and Independence days. Her husband, Joseph, was a US Navy veteran and prolific trumpet player. She loved big band music including Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Frank Sinatra. Her love of that music was enhanced by radio and later in life she discovered Alexa.
She was a dedicated mother and wife who was devoted to her faith and church, having formerly served on the Altar and Rosary Society and choir of the former St. Anne’s RC Church, Westville, NJ. Rita had an infectious smile and her one liners were often the life of gatherings and parties. Her loyalty to others made many life-long friends. She loved children and worked at a daycare center well into her 80’s. She was affectionately known at the center as MeMom.
Rita is survived by her two sons, Joseph D. Athey, Jr. (Denise) of West Deptford, James A. Athey (Katherine) of Mount Royal, five grandchildren – Joseph D. Athey, III (Caroline), Danielle Coke (Devon), Kimberley Cornely (Joseph), Lauren Athey-Janka (Vinny), Kevin Athey (Tania) and nine great grandchildren –Ethan, Rebecca, Joseph (IV), Lucas, Aiden, Cameron, Emma, Sovana and Chloe. Rita was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Joseph D. Athey, Sr. and she was the last surviving of six siblings, including a twin brother.
Visitation will be from 9:30 am to 10:45 am., Saturday, February 18th, at Infant Jesus Parish at St. Margaret Church, 3rd Street & Beech Avenue, Woodbury Heights, NJ with a Mass to follow at 11 AM. Interment will follow immediately at Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery, 240 N. Tuckahoe Rd., Williamstown, NJ.
Memories & condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Rita to The Children’s Heart Foundation at www.childrensheartfoundation.org. Click here to make an online donation.
Rita was the daughter of the late Rose and Lt. Colonel Armando Vinciguerra, US Army Ret. She was very patriotic stemming from her military upbringing and that was evident by her attire and home decorating on Memorial and Independence days. Her husband, Joseph, was a US Navy veteran and prolific trumpet player. She loved big band music including Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Frank Sinatra. Her love of that music was enhanced by radio and later in life she discovered Alexa.
She was a dedicated mother and wife who was devoted to her faith and church, having formerly served on the Altar and Rosary Society and choir of the former St. Anne’s RC Church, Westville, NJ. Rita had an infectious smile and her one liners were often the life of gatherings and parties. Her loyalty to others made many life-long friends. She loved children and worked at a daycare center well into her 80’s. She was affectionately known at the center as MeMom.
Rita is survived by her two sons, Joseph D. Athey, Jr. (Denise) of West Deptford, James A. Athey (Katherine) of Mount Royal, five grandchildren – Joseph D. Athey, III (Caroline), Danielle Coke (Devon), Kimberley Cornely (Joseph), Lauren Athey-Janka (Vinny), Kevin Athey (Tania) and nine great grandchildren –Ethan, Rebecca, Joseph (IV), Lucas, Aiden, Cameron, Emma, Sovana and Chloe. Rita was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Joseph D. Athey, Sr. and she was the last surviving of six siblings, including a twin brother.
Visitation will be from 9:30 am to 10:45 am., Saturday, February 18th, at Infant Jesus Parish at St. Margaret Church, 3rd Street & Beech Avenue, Woodbury Heights, NJ with a Mass to follow at 11 AM. Interment will follow immediately at Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery, 240 N. Tuckahoe Rd., Williamstown, NJ.
Memories & condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Rita to The Children’s Heart Foundation at www.childrensheartfoundation.org. Click here to make an online donation.