1931
Rita
2023
Rita Connery
August 15, 1931 — July 24, 2023
Cranford, NJ
Rita Connery passed away peacefully on Monday, July 24, 2023. She was born on the Feast of The
Assumption, August 15, 1931. Her parents, Rafaele and Rosina Acito, were Italian immigrants who raised
their family in New York City. Rafaele passed away when Rita was a little girl. Rita spent her formative
years living at a boarding school in Dobbs Ferry, NY under the care of the religious order founded by
Mother Cabrini. Rita took great pride in calling herself a Cabrini girl.
Rita married Raymond Connery and together they had six children: Rita Ann, Joanne, Thomas,
Rosemary, Raymond, and Charles. Under at times challenging circumstances, Rita raised her family with
great insight, knowing when to be tough and when to offer compassion. She lived for her family.
They raised their family in Queens, NY. Rita took great pride in working for Macy’s on 34 th Street for 25
years, retiring grudgingly at the age of 70. Upon her husband’s retirement, they moved to New Jersey.
In 1996, they purchased their first home, a one-bedroom condo in Cranford, NJ. There, Rita enjoyed arts
and crafts, crocheting, cooking and Parcheesi, a family favorite. Rita enjoyed family gatherings and time
with friends. Rita had a knack for speaking her mind or, as she would say, “telling it like it is”.
Rita was a passionate New York Yankees fan to her final day.
During the final weeks of her time on earth, Rita resided in an assisted living facility in Chatham, NJ.
There, her extended family and friends would meet in her often crowded and loud room to spend time
together and bask in her presence. Rita had the power and determination to give all who loved her the
opportunity to say goodbye.
Rita was blessed with 23 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. They were the joy of her life or as
she always said, “my jewels”. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Raymond, her brother,
Fortunato (Fred), and her sister, Serafina (Sarah).
Arrangements are with Gray Funeral Home, Cranford, NJ, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 27 th
Mass will be held at St. Michael Church, Cranford, NJ, at 10 a.m on Friday, July 28 th .
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Theresa’s Social Service, 11528 Southeast Highway 301,
Belleview, Florida, 34428.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rita Connery, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Thursday, July 27, 2023
4:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Gray Memorial Funeral Home - Cranford
Mass
Friday, July 28, 2023
10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)
St. Michael Catholic Church
Interment
Friday, July 28, 2023
12:30 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery
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