Rita Curtin, 86

October 17, 2014

Rita Curtin, 86, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania died on Friday, October 17, 2014 at St. Anne’s Retirement Community.

Born on January 8, 1928 in Reading, Pennsylvania, Rita was the daughter of the late George F. and Eva Dymek Rocktashel. She graduated from Reading Central Catholic High School, Class of 1946, and was employed as a confidential stenographer for Bell Telephone Co. of Pennsylvania. Rita was a member of the Catholic Women’s Club in Reading, Pennsylvania. On September 3, 1955, she married William E. Curtin at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Reading.

Rita is survived by her husband of 59 years, Bill, and their four children, Monica Aguirre (Manuel) of Phoenix, Arizona, William M. Curtin, M.D. (Anne) of Lititz, Pennsylvania, John M. Curtin (Julie) of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Mary Kay Lee (William) of Boardman, Ohio; seven cherished grandchildren: Alex, Andrew, Martin, Michael, Mark, Natalie and Owen; a brother, James Rocktashel (Joanna) of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania; a sister, Mary Ann Stoltzfus (Gene) also of Wyomissing, and many nieces and nephews. Rita is predeceased by her sister, Lucille, her twin brother Richard, and brothers George J. and Frederick.

Rita was a founding parishioner of St. Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church, a member of the St. Leo Women’s Guild, and a parent volunteer at the parish elementary school. Later, once her children were grown, Rita worked at Watt and Shand Department Store, and Bon Ton in the Park City Mall in Lancaster. Rita’s interests included gardening and traveling. During her lifetime, Rita toured Europe and also made frequent trips to the Desert Southwest. Above all, Rita loved to swim and taught this skill to all four of her children at the local pool. She was especially fond of time spent at the New Jersey seashore.

The family wishes to express its sincerest gratitude to Karen Derosa, primary caregiver for Rita for the past eleven years. Also, special thanks to Gloria Mancotywa and others, who through their efforts allowed Rita to remain at home following her stroke.

Rita’s Viewing will take place 10-11 AM, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11 AM, on Saturday, October 25, 2014, in the Chapel at St. Anne’s Retirement Community, 3952 Columbia Ave., Columbia, PA 17512. Msgr. Richard Onwuanibe will be the Celebrant. Entombment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. Please omit flowers.