Rita Ragno

Rita Ragno (nee Arlotto) of Maplewood, NJ passed peacefully on August 8, 2020.

Rita is survived by her children, George T Ragno (Andrea) of Scotch Plains, Joan Ragno Oppenheim (James) of Maplewood, Thomas Ragno (Lisa) of Boston, Peter J Ragno ( Merry) of Cranford, her loving grandchildren, Thomas G Ragno, Joseph D. Opppenheim, Julia A. Oppenheim, Nicole P. Ragno and her brothers Guy Arlotto of Silver Springs, MD and Thomas Arlotto of East Brunswick. She is predeceased by her loving husband of 52 years, S. George and 6 siblings. 

Rita was born in Jersey City, NJ to Thomas and Mary Arlotto. Shegraduated from Kean University with a double major in elementary education and library science and later went on to earn a Masters degree in Library Science from Seton Hall University. Rita taught in the Somerville and Berkley Heights school systems for over 22 years while raising her four children in Mountainside, NJ.  Rita’s long standing commitment of service to her community continued after her retirement through her appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Mountainside Public Library, President of the Mountainside chapter of the American Association of University Women, and participation in various other community and youth initiatives. 

Rita and her husband George were the consummate hosts of many large holiday gatherings, where they opened their home for family and friends to enjoy her wonderful cooking and baking.  All who knew her will miss her warm, loving spirit.

Due to current circumstances and a hope to keep everyone safe, she will be laid to rest in a private funeral and mass on August 11.  A celebration of her life is planned for the spring.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to I Have a Dream Foundation NJ (IHDFNJ.ORG) or the Friends of the Mountainside Public Library (mountainsidelibrary.org).

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