Rita had an incredible positive attitude, a wonderful smile, and a sense of humor that always brightened the hospital, enlivened her patients, and elevated everyone fortunate enough to be in her presence.\r\n\r\nWith her generous spirit, she went out of her way to ensure that my daughter had the opportunity to join the junior anglers\' fishing tournament just weeks ago. I can’t believe she is gone. Like everyone who knew her, I will miss her very much.
by Jonathan Beathe
2024-08-06 8:20:10 PM
Since I\'ve known Rita at CMSV, she was always full of laughter and just a joy to be around. It was awesome to have worked with her at HSS and MSK. She was kind, energetic thoughtful, a tough cookie, a great friend and most of all an amazing nurse. Rita, you\'re loved.
by Alaine Inguito
2024-08-06 9:52:47 PM
I worked with Rita at Stony Brook in the PACU . Rita was such a bright light on our unit. She showed up to work with a smile on her face. She took incredible care of her patients and always jumped in to help her coworkers when needed. When there was down time she was such a fun person to talk to and laugh with. This news was an incredible shock. We loved Rita so much and I know we will all miss her so much.
by Deborah Reilly
2024-08-06 10:10:42 PM
It is with deep sadness to hear this news. Rita and I met at HSS around 2011- we had the best trips to Miami and CA as well as spent a lot of weekends together back then. I want to send my condolences to her entire family and we have truly gained another angel.
by Bronwyn Sciarrino
2024-08-06 10:43:26 PM
Rita, we have not spoken in a while but you are always so full of positive energy and life. We met at HSS and you were always so kind to all patients and staff. You will be deeply missed. Sending love and prayers to your family and friends during this difficult time. Heaven gained an angel way too soon.
by Erin Niklinski
2024-08-07 1:07:12 AM
Rita Pita, what can I say HSS PACU nights, Starbucks double shots, cat talks. Genuine, real and an infectious smile. SIP 😘
by Keesha Holmes
2024-08-07 1:13:51 AM
My sincerest condolences to Rita’s family. I had the honor of working with her at HSS. She was always a ray of sunshine. She was a wonderful nurse and co-worker. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. SIP sweet Rita…
by Mary Brojan
2024-08-07 1:36:20 AM
Rita moved to Southold in fourth grade, and from our first bus ride together, we immediately clicked. Her presence was larger than life despite her petite frame. Loved deeply by her parents and sister, Rita\'s spunk and spirit were evident to all who knew her.\r\n\r\nRita was incredibly smart and talented. She excelled in math, played the clarinet beautifully, and was skilled at tennis. She dreamed of becoming a nurse but always kept her heart centered on Southold and her family. \r\n\r\nAs a friend, she was dear to many and her loyalty and warmth touched countless lives. Rita was also a devoted daughter, always there for her parents with love and dedication.\r\n\r\nHer memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
by Sarah Conroy
2024-08-07 12:32:05 PM
Rita was the maid of honor in my wedding in New Orleans. Rita was a magnificent person in almost every way and my wife\'s best friend. Memories of hanging out in her apartment in the city, cookouts at the house in Southhold, celebrating Rita\'s cats\' birthdays, driving around in the white bug, kicking it at the beach, sharing tales of travel, and just reading all these other recollections from everyone else in the hospital and bait shop and her community highlight just what a spectacular person Rita was and forever will be in my memory... I\'m lucky I got to know Rita and call her a friend. Rita always took an active interest in our life and made a proactive effort to make every moment special. I\'ll spend a lifetime telling stories and looking at pictures about her to my newborn son who sadly will never get to know her incredible warmth and wisdom. This makes life\'s administrative details seem like a joke. Rita - I wish I could bring you back!
by Ace R
2024-08-07 1:27:46 PM
It is with a heavy heart to hear the passing of Rita. We went to nursing school together at CMSV and worked together at MSK. She was a funny, kind and amazing soul.\r\nMy deepest condolences.
by Alexis Balingcongan
2024-08-07 4:01:15 PM
Rita, \r\nIts surreal that I am even writing this message. My heart is heavy. But when I think of you, I have memories of you coming onto PACU when we worked the night shift. You were new to the unit, and we were new nurses. It was stressful, but you were always positive, confident, easy going, and were always willing to help without hesitation. I smile when I think of the sound of your laughter, you were always laughing or joking about something. \r\nHeaven couldnt wait for you. \r\nRest peacefully old friend. 🙏😇\r\n\r\nMy sincerest condolences to your family and loved ones ❤️
by Becky Schori
2024-08-08 9:09:50 AM
Rita was such a wonderful person. Her birthday was a day before mine. We bonded over this and our love for cats. She was so much fun to work with at MSK. She was so lovely and will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Rita ♥️
by Tameka Breaux
2024-08-08 12:13:24 PM
Rita and I worked together at Kaiser during her travel time out in CA. We developed a friendship that extended years past her time in CA. While she was here, she was adopted as a big sis to my boys and a little sister to me and my husband. We loved having her over for dinner, trips to SF for foodie walking tours and cat sitting Tino and Louie. You were the first person I know who walked their cat on a leash. You will be forever missed and I am so grateful for the time you were in our lives. Looking back at our texts that we shared, birthday wishes and photos, the butterfly sticker at my desk that you gave me will have a deeper meaning now when I look it. Rest in paradise my friend. Lynnie & the boys
by Lynn Utecht
2024-08-08 7:24:43 PM