Rita Degaro

Rita Miller (Nee Russe) Degaro, beloved wife of Joseph William Degaro, Jr.; devoted mother of the late Diane and Ken Cundiff, Linda Koscianski, and Steve Degaro; cherished grandmother of Laura (Chad) Warman, Bethany (Jimmy) Tormey, Ryan (Brynne) Koscianski, Rachel (Michael) Noa, Amy (Brian) Nolan, Molly (Brett Hamlin) Degaro, and Maggie (Andy) Work; great grandmother of Michael Nolan, Samantha Nolan, Austin Hamlin, Michael Noa, Jr., Peyton Warman, Lincoln Tormey, Tucker Work, Finn Koscianski, Colton Tormey, and Oliver Work; dear sister of the late Ramona (Richard) Leist; sister-in-law of the late Josephine and Tom DeSalvo, the late Vincent and Jane Degaro, and the late Charles and Helen Degaro; mother-in-law of Jenny Turnbull and Ron Koscianski; cousin to Bruce Miller. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Rita was born and raised in Norwood, Ohio. As a child, she spent many summers at her grandfather’s farm in Batesville, Indiana. She graduated from Norwood High School in 1949 and attended the University of Cincinnati. She was active in many school organizations and participated in cheerleading. Rita and Joe met when they were sixteen years old at the Norwood swimming pool where they both worked. Throughout her life, Rita maintained close friendships with her Norwood classmates. She enjoyed watching and rooting for the Xavier Musketeers with her son, Steve, and traveling with her daughter, Linda.  She never tired of speaking to and about her seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren whom she adored. Rita was loved and treasured by many and will be greatly missed. She passed away in her home on May 27, 2022 at the age of 91.

Visitation will be at Vorhis & Ryan 5501 Montgomery Road, Norwood, Ohio 45212 on Friday, June 3, 2022 from 5:00 PM until time of service at 7:00 PM. A family burial will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Diane Degaro Cundiff Norwood High School Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 12522, Norwood, OH 45212. Condolences to www.vorhisandryan.com

Vorhis and Ryan Funeral Homes