Rita J. Funicelli

Rita J. Funicelli, 91, Dean, passed away April 4, 2026 at UPMC Altoona. Born September 8, 1934 in Ashville. Daughter of the late Harvey and Maude (Ivory) Sutton. She was married to the late Robert P. Funicelli on April 20, 1963 in Ashville. She is survived by children, Robert (Leslie) Funicelli of Peoria, AZ, Randy (Cindy) Funicelli of Warwick, RI, and Karen (Mark) Smithmyer of Dean, with whom she resided with; 3 grandchildren, Kathleen Funicelli, Zachary and Anthony Smithmyer; sister, Margie Cuomo; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by infant brothers, Bobby and John; brothers, Alvin Ivory, Leonard, Blair, Fredrick, Leroy, William, and Donald Sutton; and sisters Ellen Brady, Marie Ruane, Ollie Watkins, and Dorothy Manfredi. Rita enjoyed her grandchildren, baking, cooking, and was famous for her gob cake and cinnamon rolls. She worked at Boyer’s Candy and was a housewife. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Ashville VFW and St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Ashville. Family and friends will be received on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 10:00 am until the 11:00 am funeral Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 159 Hickory St. P.O. Box 5, Ashville, Pa 16613. Rev Justin Treon officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the care of Gibbons Funeral Home, Ashville. Condolences can be made at www.gibbonsfhashvillecoalport.com and at our Gibbons Funeral Home Facebook Page.

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