Rita Giacalone, 93, passed away very peacefully on October 23, 2023, surrounded by the love of her family. Rita is survived by her four children and their spouses Arthur & Janny, Toni, Greg & Linda, Rita & Wendy, and her ten grandchildren.

Born on June 23, 1930 to Grace and Anthony DePersio, along with sisters Mary and Olga, and brothers Rocco and Eugene. Rita was the “baby” in the family, born 5 years after her next sibling. Rita spent her childhood in the 3rd Ward in Newark, New Jersey and often shared stories of both hardship and her loving community with her extended family and close friends. She had a special bond that transcended age and time with her niece Angela, who she helped to raise in their shared home on 2nd Avenue.

An excellent dancer, Rita spent many nights at local dances and was named the best dancer in her high school. She met Arthur Giacalone at the age of 18 and they married on November 26th, 1949. They eventually moved to Nutley, NJ where they lived until they moved to Verona, NJ for the remainder of our father’s life. Throughout their life together, they shared the love of dance, tennis, golf, and would often sit at the bar at various local Italian restaurants sharing their favorite gin and tonic before their meal. Her children often referred to them as the “love boat,” – when they sailed, they were beyond compare in their love for one another and their ability to savor life to its fullest.

Rita was always ahead of her time. She is often remembered for her stylish dress, love of learning, incredible Italian cooking, and the suffering and joy of human existence that she so often reflected on throughout her lifetime. Rita had many unmet dreams that she made certain she passed on to her children and extended family members. She emphasized education, a healthy lifestyle, and living a life of full potential that helped those around her reach for more than they knew possible. When people describe Rita, they immediately say “she was a character” referring to quick wit and passion. There are countless times when her children recall saying “Mom, you can’t say that” while simultaneously chuckling with pride over their mother’s irreverent sense of humor.

Rita loved big and often gave her whole self to others in need. She devoted innumerable hours to her children and grandchildren, spent many days visiting her siblings as their health declined, and often volunteered at sr. centers to bring smiles to elders’ faces, even as she got lost with them on the way to the hair salon Her strength, humor, and warmth extended into her later years, even as Alzheimer’s disease made its slow but steady impact on her cognitive and physical abilities. Rita’s daughter, Toni, cared for her unceasingly in her last years of life, and described how her strong will and spirit transcended her illness. Some of the most beautiful tributes to Rita came in her last days of life from the caregivers who spent many days and nights with her. They told so many stories of Rita’s feisty personality and ability to make them laugh, dance, sing, and cry. And up until the last days that she could utter words, she offered to share her own meals and asked them multiple times a day, “Did you eat?” Through her wit, her recipes, her caring, and her spirit, Rita left her mark on so many of our hearts.

As her children opened the door to leave her apartment in the early morning hours of her death, they heard Frank Sinatra belting out “I Did It My Way,” in the hallway, bringing forth tears of sadness and joy. Rita did it her way until her very last breath. We are forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, Rita’s family asks that you make a donation to Rita’s Caregiver Fund at

https://everloved.com/life-of…

to help support one of her loving caregivers who is furthering her education. Our mother would have wanted that.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, from 12 to 4 p.m. at S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home, 267 Centre Street, Nutley, NJ 07110. 

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