Rita Marie Lapati, 93, passed away peacefully at home October 29, 2024. She was the loving wife of Andrew Lapati for 65 years. Rita was born on May 2, 1931, in Bridgeport, to the late James Mario Dellaca and Josephine (Gianelli) Dellaca.

Rita graduated from Lauralton Hall high school in Milford in 1949. She enrolled in the University of Bridgeport part-time while working for the Army Audit Agency. She later resigned from her position to pursue her studies full time, graduating in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Rita met Andrew Lapati, the love of her life, at a party in Milford in February 1958 where they danced together all night. They married in August 1959 and lived in Newtown, where they raised their children.

Rita began her career in education teaching 10th grade at Monroe High School, subsequently obtaining her Master’s degree in Education at Fairfield University in June 2000. She taught English at Newtown Middle School for 19 years, until her retirement in 1992. Teaching was her passion. After retirement, she enrolled in Western Connecticut State University and earned a BA in Art, magna cum laude, in 2000.

She was a member of SCAN (The Society of Creative Arts of Newtown), where she exhibited many of her paintings.

Rita loved playing tennis and golf, and surrounded herself with friends who enjoyed the same. Rita was part of a group of friends who called themselves the “YaYa Sisters,” and they bonded over their shared love of the sports. Rita’s zest for life was enriched by her love of travel. Rita and Andrew participated in two biking tours in France, Austria and England, and hiked in the Swiss and Italian Alps. Rita introduced her husband and children to skiing in the spring of 1974 leading to memberships in the Winterset and Sikorski Ski Clubs later that year. The time Rita spent as a member of these clubs created many lifelong friendships. Rita engaged in many hobbies, pursued an educated career, and created a loving family all while engaging in her local community.

Within Newtown, she was a former president of the League of Women Voters, served on the Conservation Commission, and was a Eucharistic Minister at Saint Rose Church.

After 46 years in Newtown, Rita and Andrew moved to Meadow Brook Estates in Oxford in June 2005. Rita became a founding member of the Wine, Women, and Words Book Club, was instrumental in starting the community newsletter, and with her husband, the Residents’ Directory.

Rita loved hosting family and friends with Andy at their summer cottage on Frye Island, Maine, on Sebago Lake. In this community, she was a longtime active member of many groups, including The Book Group, The Bridge Club, The Garden Club, and the Ladies Nine and Wine golf group at the Frye Island Golf Course.

Rita’s involvement also extended outside her immediate community; she was a member of the Portland Museum of Art, annually attended the opera at the Merrill Auditorium, and loved going to the Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick for Broadway shows with family and friends.

Rita was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her family was her joy. She was devoted to the people with whom she shared her life. She greatly enjoyed hosting parties, picnics, and Easter egg hunts for her family. She organized many game and movie nights with her friends and will always be remembered for her enthusiastic approach to life, and encouraging the inner child in us all.

Rita is survived by her husband Andrew, daughter Susan (David) Williams, son Richard Lapati; three treasured granddaughters, Sarah (Michael) Marshall, Megan Williams, Isabel Williams; and great-granddaughter, Adalyn Marshall.

Calling hours will be held Monday, November 11, from 4 to 6 pm, at Carpino Funeral Home, 750 Main Street South in Southbury. A Funeral Mass for Rita will be held on Tuesday, November 12, at 10 am, at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church in Oxford; those attending will meet at the church. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Watertown.

The Carpino Funeral Home of Southbury has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave a message of remembrance, visit carpinofuneralhome.com.