RITA VITANZA (nee Parente), age 80 of Middleburg Heights, born in Formicola, Italy, passed away early morning on Christmas Eve. Beloved wife of Basilio for 65 years; loving and devoted mother of Jerry (Christine), Domenic (Kristine Marie Wilson) and Dino (Suzanne); dearest “Nonna” of Alexsandria, Basilio “Domenic”, Olivia Murray (Charles), Santino and Vincent; daughter of Arturo and Francesca Parente (both deceased); sister of Maria Izzo (Antonio) (both deceased), Letizia Gallo (deceased) (Antonio), Rosa DiFilippo (Pietro) (both deceased), Gaspare “Tony” Parente (deceased) (Giuseppina), Linda Bolzan (Claudio, deceased), Luigi Parente (Yvonne), Giuseppe Parente (Madonna), Silvia Teresi (Joseph) and Domenic Parente (deceased); sister-in-law of Salvatore (Donna, deceased), Assunta Monastra (Calogero, deceased) and Franco (Maria), of Sicily; loving “Zia” of many nieces and nephews. Rita was a loving mother and grandmother. Her life was her family. She was loved and will be greatly missed. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bartholomew Church, 14865 Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, Wednesday December 31, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. Please meet at church. Entombment in the St. Jude Mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), TUESDAY from 2-7 p.m.