Rita DeSantis Obituary

#Middlebury

Devoted her life to her family and caring for elderly

Mrs. Rita (Rossi) DeSantis, 86, of Middlebury, entered into the gates of Heaven on Wednesday January 20, 2021, at Middlebury Convalescent Home. She was the beloved widow of Rev. John DeSantis Jr., who passed December 16, 2014.

Rita was born in Waterbury November 2, 1934, a daughter of the late Nicola and Concetta (DiTillo) Rossi. She graduated from Wilby High School Class of 1952 and earned her nursing degree from St. Mary’s School of Nursing Class of 1955. She and John were married April 7, 1956.

She worked as a registered nurse for Middlebury Convalescent Home for over 35 years and later as a private duty nurse, devoting her life to caring for the elderly. She was a member of the Rock Church of Waterbury. She took great pleasure spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she was affectionately known as Grandma Rita and Mimi.

Rita leaves to honor and cherish her memory: three sons, John DeSantis III and Nancy Bryce of Swanzey, New Hampshire, David DeSantis of San Francisco, California and Richard DeSantis and his wife Judy of Watertown; two daughters, Susan Powers and her husband Tim and Amy L. DeSantis, all of Middlebury; her brother, Richard Rossi; seven grandchildren, John William DeSantis and Maegen Evans, Michael Ryan DeSantis and his wife Joann, Mikayla Shea Powers, Griffin Leon Powers and Zachary John Powers, all of Middlebury and Jacob Robert DeSantis and Marguerite Judith DeSantis, both of Watertown; six great-granddaughters, Bailey DeSantis, Josephine DeSantis, Abigail DeSantis, Alice DeSantis, Peyton DeSantis and Molly DeSantis; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Robert, Henry, Raymond and Nicholas Rossi, Dolores Marino, Judith Mooney, Dorothy Jenkins, Gloria Tedesco and Lucille Housknecht.

The family would like to sincerely thank the entire staff of Middlebury Convalescent Home for all the exceptional care, comfort and compassion given to Rita during her stay.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the safety of family and friends, a private graveside service will be held at Lake Elise Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home at 430 Chase Parkway in Waterbury has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Rita’s memory to: Middlebury Convalescent Home Recreation Department, 778 Middlebury Road, Middlebury, CT 06762

For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.