Mary Rita Retersdorf

Mrs. Mary "Rita" Retersdorf, 87, of Gloversville, passed away September 10, 2012 at her residence. She was born January 20, 1925 in Little Falls, NY, daughter of the late Joseph and Helen Buckley Gargiulo. Her family moved to Gloversville during her childhood. Rita was educated in Gloversville schools and early in her life worked at the Navy Depot in Scotia. She also worked as a glove maker at area manufacturers for a time. Most of her life, she was a devoted homemaker. An Avid bingo player, she enjoyed shopping almost as much. Rita was also an excellent cook and baker. She was a member of The Church of The Holy Spirit and of the Sisters of The Holy Spirit of the church. She also was a longtime volunteer for Nathan Littauer Hospital auxiliary, particularly the Nursing Home section. Her other memberships include the Ida McGinnis Seniors in Gloversville and the Elks Lodge in Venice Florida, where she and her late husband Jim wintered for many years. Rita is survived by her three children; James Scott Retersdorf Margaret Houtz of Gloversville, Bonnie Joseph Falanga of Valrico, Florida and Mark Retersdorf Lisa Denney of Kingman, Arizona. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Robyn Morrell Martin, Debbie Smigen Mike, Jaime, Alan Elizabeth, Brian Retersdorf, Laura and Jared Retersdorf and their mom Suzanne, Todd, Jeff, Chris Falanga, David Risso and Kevin Denney, Rita also leaves her great grandchildren; Kayla and Samantha Morrell, Alyssa Wells, Mikey Smigen and Anthony Risso, several nieces and nephews. Rita was pre-deceased in 2011, by her husband James whom she married June 8, 1946. She was also pre-deceased by a grandson, Scott J. Retersdorf and daughter-in-law Dodie. A prayer service will be held 9:15 am Saturday, September 15, 2012 at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville and at 10 am a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at The Church of the Holy Spirit, 149 S. Main Street, Gloversville. The family will receive friends on Friday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown. Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, or to the Church.