Miss Leanza was my most memorable and kindest teacher ever. I still remember being introduced to opera music and her wide, beautiful smile. I thought she was an angel come to earth at P.S. 179.
0
NORTHSIDE CHAPEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND CREMATORY
CD
Chris DiMarco
9 hours ago
2 files added to the tribute wall
Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
CD
Chris DiMarco
8 hours ago
I was so very sorry to hear about Rita's passing. I would have attended her wake/ funeral if I had heard sooner. Rita was truly such a caring, sincere and loving friend to my mom Eleanor Colucci. They were in grammar school together (:mortar_board: photo above) and spent a great amout of time with each other during their younger years. Rita was also in my mom's wedding party. They had lost touch, each busy in their daily lives. As life often tends to do. As the years went on, Rita actually tracked down my mom. From that time on Rita became a big part of my mom's life again. Celebrating birthdays, going to shows, dinners, visiting friends, and of course going to operas. My mom always looked forward to their times together. I was so happy to have met Rita. She made me feel so very special and was as proud of me as my mom was when I received my masters in education. She had a very special way about her. I am so very grateful for the time she and my mom spent together. She truly gave my mom many special, and happy memories. Rita also loved my grandmother so very much, and often talked about the times she spent at my grandmother's house when she was younger. The colorful photo above is Rita with my grandmother at my grandmother's 100th birthday, along with my mom, Ida, and Claudia. Rest in peace Rita. I'm so glad I had the pleasure of meeting such a GREAT lady. I'm sure upon your passing my mom was up above waiting to greet you. I'll always remember what a GREAT, SINCERE, and TRUE friend you were to my mom. Rest in peace sweet lady. :hearts: :pray: And my sincere sympathy to Rita's family. She spoke of you all often and loved you all very much.
Write a comment...
Post
0
My cousin Rita enjoyed traveling and the theater. Most importantly, she just LOVE to be with her family. The smile on her beautiful face with all those she share stories about traveling and family get togethers. I spent many days visiting her In Brooklyn to look after things around the house and enjoy dinners together. I still believe she with me today and phone will ring to ask me when am I’m coming over the house.
0
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of all time favorite beautiful teacher! At the luncheon we had for her I told her everything I ever learned about Art and Music , I learned from her in 5th grade! #Da Vinci #Mozart#Beethoven #Michaelangelo#Chopin#Renoir
She looked like Sophia Loren in in 1964
My deepest condolences to the family
RIP Ms Leanza You were SO loved
0
I was Blessed to have been in Miss Leanza's 4th grade class many decades ago at P.S. 179. I will be 69 years old in a few days and in all my life I have never had a teacher so dear, wonderful and cherished as she. This is a sentiment that rings true with all who have been blessed to be her student.
Back in 1962, it was quite momentous when Miss Leanza produced a record player and records in class! She told us the stories of the great operas and brought them to life for us with the beautiful music, right there with n the classroom, with a record player! Who else could instill the young minds of 4th graders a love for opera? Miss Rita Leanza helped us understand it (in her super hip way) and her love of it was contagious!
I was in awe of her, as she was so young, hip and beautiful. She told us that she went dancing at the Peppermint Lounge in Manhattan, and I remember her pink sparkle Mustang; she was the coolest teacher, but also the best! I also remember she wore a different, beautiful brooch everyday.
I collect and sell vintage brooches and jewelry to this day, and I am also a musician. Miss Leanza surely had an influence on both, as well as my love of lifelong learning. Thank you so much, Rita Veronica Leanza, I will always remember you in my heart as my Best Teacher Ever!
0
Rita loved her family, her cousins. She was warm and kept us engaged in stories about the "Old Country, Italy" She visited her cousins Florentina and John last summer at their home in Ocala. They shared quality time with her, Veronica, Ann and I. We watched endless repeats of "Columbo" until she said that she was tired of watching it. We shared gourmet dinners of pasta and Florentina's famous Meatballs. We were fortunate to have been able to visit with her at this time in her life. She will be greatly missed. Sua cugina Tina
1
I am so sorry about the passing of Cousin Rita. She was such a presence at the Leanza Reunions and a big part of our Leanza family. So loving and kind to Chuck and I and my family always. She will be so missed.
Marianne Contini (daughter of Mary Leanza Triano)
0
I Don’t know if her niece she was living with will see this but I am a 61 year old woman Ms Leanza was my favorite teacher ever. I still thought of her every now and then. She was a meaningful person in my life when I was a kid in PS 179.
0
II am so sorry. She was the best teacher ever and I learned things in her class that carried me through my life. I am so glad I wrote to her when she was a principal and I let her know how I felt with a picture so she would maybe remember who I was. I will keep her and all her family in my prayers. RIP MS. LEANZA.
0
Share with others
