Born in Elizabeth, NJ, Rita was the youngest of seven children born to the late Baldassare and Vita Grillo who immigrated from Sicily.
Known for being decisive, it came as no surprise that after just three dates she married the love of her life Pellegrino "Ben" Ciaccio (1921-2005). They spent their time together making beautiful memories with their group of friends "The Good Guys" in their beloved Peterstown neighborhood. Whether a church dance, tending to their gardens or spending time with their cherished extended family, there was never a shortage of opportunities to enjoy life.
Ben and Rita welcomed two daughters, Kathy and Rita, who were their pride and joy. Both daughters had their own children and her dedication to family never wavered as she and Ben happily helped with every aspect of their granddaughters' lives. Whether playing on South 7th Street, spending time at the shore, cooking together or passing down her cookie recipes, Ben and Rita were integral members of their grandchildren's' day to day.
Though lovingly referred to as "little bird", Rita was the definition of small but mighty. She instilled the values of hard work and that above all else, family comes first. Rita lived her life with honor and kindness and taught her girls what it means to be a strong and steady force for those around you. In the words of her favorite crooner Frank Sinatra: "I Did It My Way".
Born in Elizabeth, NJ, Rita was the youngest of seven children born to the late Baldassare and Vita Grillo who immigrated from Sicily.
Known for being decisive, it came as no surprise that after just three dates she married the love of her life Pellegrino "Ben" Ciaccio (1921-2005). They spent their time together making beautiful memories with their group of friends "The Good Guys" in their beloved Peterstown neighborhood. Whether a church dance, tending to their gardens or spending time with their cherished extended family, there was never a shortage of opportunities to enjoy life.
Ben and Rita welcomed two daughters, Kathy and Rita, who were their pride and joy. Both daughters had their own children and her dedication to family never wavered as she and Ben happily helped with every aspect of their granddaughters' lives. Whether playing on South 7th Street, spending time at the shore, cooking together or passing down her cookie recipes, Ben and Rita were integral members of their grandchildren's' day to day.
Though lovingly referred to as "little bird", Rita was the definition of small but mighty. She instilled the values of hard work and that above all else, family comes first. Rita lived her life with honor and kindness and taught her girls what it means to be a strong and steady force for those around you. In the words of her favorite crooner Frank Sinatra: "I Did It My Way".
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