Obituary of Rita Ann Piretra

The night sky has gained another star as Rita Ann Piretra (nee Rafalko) entered eternal rest on December 9, 2021 surrounded by her family. Wife to the late Laurence Piretra Sr., Rita is survived by her children Catherine Okulski and her husband Lester, Laurence Piretra Jr. and his wife Judy, Eileen Piretra, and Michael Piretra and his wife Liana. A beloved grandmother, Rita is also survived by her grandkids Maeghan Ludwig and her husband Kevin, Joseph Pisani and his wife Samantha, Loren Piretra, Jacqueline Pasqua and her husband James, and Laurence Piretra III and his wife Maggie. Rita was born in Scranton, PA, grew up in Newark, NJ, then raised her family in Fort Lee. A New Jersey legend and tenacious matriarch of her family, “Rita Ravioli” was the life of every party she attended. Her iconic French twist and charismatic nature were known far and wide, as was her tendency to incite fits of laughter. Her sparkling presence will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. In lieu of flowers, Rita’s family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Death With Dignity. Visiting Friday December 10, 2021 3-7 PM at Oakland Memorial Home, 330 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland NJ. Funeral Liturgy Saturday 9:30 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Oakland, NJ. Entombment to follow at Madonna Mausoleum, Fort Lee, NJ. For more information visit oaklandmemorial.com