Rita M. Benedetto

Rita M.(Molinari) Benedetto, 90 of Hammonton, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at her home. Born on December 11, 1924 to Anthony and Nellie (Fogletto)Molinari in Atlantic City, she was a resident of Hammonton since 1925. Rita attended Hammonton Public Schools and was a graduate of the Class of 1942. She received her teaching degree from Trenton State College and began her career as an English Teacher at Egg Harbor High School. After teaching there for several years, she left Egg Harbor to assist in the family's "new" restaurant business, The Town House, and at the same time, she also began teaching at Hammonton High School. Rita never stayed away from education. She left teaching for a few years in the 1950's ,while she raised her sons, and was elected as member of the Hammonton Board of Education, being one of the first woman to serve in this capacity. While at HHS, she served as Class Advisor, Drama Director, and National Honor Society Moderator for many years. During her career, she received a Master's Degree in Reading from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Upon her retirement in 1987, she became an avid traveler and began a new career as a volunteer. She was a member of the Soroptimist Club of Hammonton for 49 years and served as President for several terms. In addition, she held the position of District Director of Soroptimist North Atlantic Region. She served as a long time member of the Atlantic County Library Commission and volunteered at Kessler Memorial Hospital for more than 40 years. She served as chairperson of the Atlantic County Junior Miss Scholarship Pageant, volunteered at local blood drives for the American Red Cross, conducted drives for the Atlantic County Women's Shelter and Atlantic County Special Services School District. She was an active member of the Atlantic County NJEA Retired Teachers Group and was also a member of Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Parish. She received numerous proclamations and awards from County Officials for her service to the community. In 2006, she was awarded one of Hammonton's highest honors as the Lions Club "Citizen of the Year".
Rita was a wonderful and devoted wife, mother and grandmother who in her spare time enjoyed needlepoint and crocheting.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Daniel J. Benedetto. She is survived by her sons Daniel and his wife Maria, of Hammonton. Richard and his wife Renee of Pittston, PA.
Devoted Grammy and Mimi to Nicole (Michael) Tracy, Matthew Benedetto and Danielle Benedetto.
Her loving sister and best friend, Dorothy M. Cartica of Hammonton, Brother in law Louis (Katherine) Benedetto of Cherry Hill and Marie Musgrove of Sun City Center, Florida. Rita is also survived by her devoted caretaker Maria Imanalieva.
A church visitation will be held on Monday evening June 15th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at St. Anthony Church, 285 Rt 206, Hammonton, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 7 PM. A private burial service will take place in Greenmount Cemetery. Donations in Rita's memory may be made to Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Parish, 226 French St., Hammonton, NJ 08037, Collings Lakes Elementary School, Memorial Book Program, 620 Cains Mill Road, Williamstown, NJ 08094 or the charity of one's choice. Arrangements by the Marinella Funeral Home 102 N. 3rd St. Hammonton, NJ.

Mass of Christian Burial

Monday, June 15, 2015
St. Mary Of Mt. Carmel Parish - St. Anthony Of Padua Church 285 Rt. 206 Hammonton, New Jersey, United States 08037

Interment at: Greenmount Cemetery

Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Greenmount Cemetery 124 S. 1st Road Hammonton, New Jersey, United States 08037