Rita was a dear colleague and wonderful,
vivacious, cheerful and spirited presence at Franklin & Marshall
College. We will miss her greatly. In particular, we have fond
memories of her tales of life in Italy and her engaging
presentation on Italian cuisine at a recent professional meeting
at the college.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Scott and Giovanna Lerner and family
Rita was immediately one of the most welcoming
people to me when i arrived at LVC 3 years ago, and always gave
me so much encouragement. What a wonderful, supportive
colleague she was to me, and what a bright boost it gave my day
to talk with her about teaching, Italy, her family, anything. I
miss her very much, and she will always be part of my fondest
memories of starting out at LVC. Mille grazie, Rita.
Bravissima!
rick chamberlin
Once in a lifetime you might be blessed to
meet a Rita, precious friend, who lights up the room with her
presence and spreads love and sunshine wherever she goes. How
she loved her family, friends and her dear students. Rita was a
great inspiration to me and I know she was greatly loved by so
many. She will always be with me in my heart.
Emily Haines and Family
Rita was a wonderful person, and I so enjoyed
working with her. She has a great spirit, was a dedicated
teacher, and spoke so highly of her students and their progress
in her classes. I remember sharing stories with her about our
children. She couldn't say enough about Julie and all of her
accomplishments. She was such a proud mother. I am so glad to
have been able to work with her over the years. She will be
missed.
My dear Rita....I am still in shock and will
miss your smile, your zest for life and your passion. You have
inspired me every time you came into my world and will continue
to inspire me. I'm sure you're in heaven telling everyone up
there what to do and making it special. Know there is an empty
place in my heart....love ya! Ella-Mae
We are so sorry to hear of the death of your
wife and mother. Our prayers are with you all.
The Testa Family
(Brad's parents)
May the Gargotta find peace with each other
and within themselves. May you all know there are those here
praying for you and wishing you blessings. Julie...you are by
far the strongest person I know and may that quality that you
received from your Mother carry on the rest of your life. Let
the memories live on forever in your hearts and in your
actions. God Bless you.
With my deepest regrets,
Becky Rotkowski
Rita's reputation as an excellent teacher and
good friend proceeded her. My mother ( Cindy McInyre) took
Spanish classes from Rita for many years. She always spoke
fondly of Rita. It was Rita who pushed my mother to continue her
education in the face of adversity and single motherhood. She
went on to get her BA in English. Years later I had Rita for
Spanish at Millersville. The first day of class she said " Are
you Cindy's daughter?" when I answered yes she said " I love
your mother! what a wonderful person!" And That is how I will
remember Rita. A wonderful person who celebrated people, life
and culture. I hope you take comfort in knowing that Rita really
helped my family through a tough time (and helped me finally
picked up Spanish) simply with her kind words and magical
presence. Best wishes on you 5k. Johanna Elmer
We met Rita though my aunt MaryLee DeWitt. I
know they were the best of friends
and loved teaching together at Marple Newton High School and
traveling together.
When Rita heard that we moved near Camp Shand she stopped by one
day to visit us.
We shared so many laughs of our summers in Ocean City and her
times spent with my aunt; Rita laughed the entire time!
That's how we will remember her always....how full of life she
was!
She will be missed by so many.
Linda, Ron & Maya Wenger
How true it is, the song we taught them to
sing. "Make new friends, but keep the old,
one is silver and then other gold". A treasure of gold you have
been to so many. The golden memories will never be forgotten.
"The circle of life has no end"within our hearts you will never
be gone. Your legacy will live on...... Our Deepest Sympathy
and Love to Ago and Julie
The Frill Girls; Dory, Missy, & Mandy
Julie even though I only had the brief
opportunity to hear you speak so passionately about your mother
and family; however already you and your mother's strength have
made an impact on me. God Bless you and your family in this
time and take comfort in that your mother's wonderful existence
will not only ensure her peaceful eternity but hopefully inspire
and help others still battling.
-Ian Smail
This beautiful flower will bloom forever in
heaven.
Diane Zammetti
Dear Julie and family,
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Rita's passing. I took
nine Spanish classes from her when she taught for LVC on F&M's
campus. She had a very positive impact on my life. Surely,
this world has lost one of it's brightest and best. I just
thank God that she touched my life. Julie, it was so obvious
how much your mother loved you. So many time in class she would
talk about you and she was very proud of you. When I look back
on my own life, I will always remember Rita as someone who
encouraged me and made me laugh.
My prayers are with you and your father.
Fondly,
Cindy McIntyre
Dear Gargotta Family,
I was a student of Rita's at Millersville University several
years ago. In a very short period of time we got to know all of
you, but especially Julie. Every chance she got she spoke of
you. We had an opportunity to get a small glimpse of just how
special your relationship was. As a mother of 2 young adults, I
can't imagine your grief. Rita touched many, many lives and
mine was one of them. Thanks for sharing her with us.
My sincerest sympathy to you and your family.
Carolyn Deck
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Rita was
a lovely, gregarious presence in our midst at Franklin &
Marshall. She will be remembered for her kindness, her sense of
humor, her warmth and generosity of spirit. We will miss her.
On Wednesday the World was forever changed,
Our Rita will be missed so very very much. We Love You Reda
may you now find peace and comfort with God and those you love
in Heaven.
Our condolences to the Gargotta family, please
know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this
difficult time. Deepest sympathies, the sisters of Delta Zeta -
Epsilon Zeta.
You were more than a friend to me. You were my
inspiration when the days were dull and dark. I feel blessed I
had the chance to meet you in this life. I am stunned with your
death but God knows that I will have you and Julie in my heart
for the rest of my life. Friends forever. I will missed you "My
American mother"
John Morales
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