Obituary of Rita Russano

Rita Russano, 90, of Santa Monica, CA, formerly of Toms River, NJ, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at St. John's Hospital after a brief illness.  Rita was born in Brooklyn, New York to Emil Philip Milani, a NYC fire fighter, and Erminie Rita Milani (Ladiana), a bookkeeper.  Although Rita had no siblings, she spent her youth living with her parents and a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins in the house affectionately known as “4710” which was a constant gathering place for friends and relatives and is where Rita learned about the joys of entertaining.  As a hostess, Rita was charming and generous, always making a fuss for anyone visiting her home, making them comfortable, preparing meals she knew they loved and doing the little things that made them feel welcome.  Rita loved nothing more than to host parties for the large group of friends that she and her beloved husband Dominick shared, some of whom they knew and kept in close touch with for 80+ years.  

Rita and Dominick were married in 1951 and soon started a family.  That was her dream.  When their daughters Linda and Janet were young, they moved to the suburbs in Great Kills, Staten Island.  Rita worked as a School Aide for the NYC School System. It was a perfect job for her because she loved children and they loved her.  After retirement, the beach called and Rita and Dominick moved to Toms River where they had their dinner on the sand many a night and continued to entertain with weekend guests throughout the years. Known by many as Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Rita and Uncle Dom, or Rita and Dom, they were definitely a pair.  They traveled together through life – “Together Forever”.

Rita was predeceased by her father Emil, her mother Erminie and her loving husband Dominick. She is survived by her daughters Linda Morra (Robert) of Santa Monica, CA and Janet Egger (Frank) of Randolph, NJ.  She also leaves behind three grandchildren Cristin (Korey Stoller), Dominick and Mary (Ben Supkoff).

Friends and family are invited to visit on Monday, August 21, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, at Freeman Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North in Manalapan.  A funeral service will be held at Freeman Funeral Home on Monday at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery and Mausoleum in Freehold. A repast will then follow at Mezza Luna, 357 Route 9 South, Towne Pointe Plaza, in Manalapan.  To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.