Mary "Jo" Josephine (Capotosto) Rich

Akron---At 101 years of age, Mary Josephine (Capotosto) Rich passed away on March 25th, the Feast of the Annunciation.  She was born on September 25, 1923, in Akron, Ohio to Dominic and Carmella Capotosto and spent the next 94 years living on Delmar Avenue in the North Hill section of Akron.

Mary Jo (or "Jo" as she was known to many) was a 1941 graduate of Akron North High School, where she enjoyed time spent there with friends and relatives.  After marrying Vincent Ross Rich in 1942, they continued to be faithful members of St. Martha Parish (now named Blessed Trinity) where all six of their children attended grade school.

Mary Jo was truly a "Woman for Others."  With her husband, Vincent R. Rich, she raised and was so proud of her six children and many grandchildren.  Over the years, Mary Jo showed extra love to her father, mother and sister Nell who all lived across the street from her on Delmar and needed her extra help in their later years.

In the 70's, when Mary Jo's brother-in-law, the Reverend Orlando Rich, was recovering from brain surgery, she buoyed his spirits, quelled his post-surgery worries, and encouraged his return to good health. When her husband Vince was diagnosed with a rare and terminal blood disorder in the mid 80's, she was with him every step of the way on his very difficult journey.

Being a quiet and humble person, Mary Jo sought happiness in nature. She was a gardener extraordinaire. She planted what turned out to be gorgeous flowers and very healthy tomatoes and string beans in her garden. In early spring, she would initiate the growing process by taking empty egg cartons and getting the seedlings to grow in them. Once they started, she would then transplant them into her fertile garden in her backyard. The whole family was able to enjoy the fruits of her labor!

When most people are thinking about retiring, Mary Jo started a career in sales. Working part-time at several department stores for almost twenty years, she completed her employment at Macy's when she was 79 years young.

For the past eight years, Mary Jo had been living in assisted living facilities.  The most recent one was The Renaissance of Richfield, where her children and loved ones, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would visit her.  They loved to share stories with her and see her smile, hear her laughter, and await one of her clever quips. Often, she would be holding that cherished cup of delicious coffee.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by Vincent, her loving husband of 46 years, her parents, two sisters and three brothers: Nell Capotosto, Gina (Carl) Vinciguerra, Angelo (Cecilia) Capotosto, Richard (Mary) Capotosto, Mario (Connie) Capotosto, and brother-in -law, Bernard White.  Also preceding her in death were her mother-in law, Philomena Rich, father-in-law, James Rich, sisters -in law, Frances (Gerald) Chitty, Virginia (Fred) DiAntonio, brothers-in-law, Guerrino Rich, the Reverend Orlando Rich, and Bill (Gloria) Rich and son-in-law Gary Moss.

She is survived by her sister, Rosemarie White, her children, Donna Palko, Rebecca Moss, Guerrino (Maribeth), Vincent (Carey), Betsy, and Tina (Tom) Rothrauff, 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and their families.

No matter what challenges she faced, our mother showed great strength, courage and a Mary Josephine sense of humor.  She was devoted to us; we were devoted to her.   We will all miss her, but we know that her love for us and our love for her will last forever.

Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian burial following at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 4, 2025 at Blessed Trinity Parish, 300 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron with Rev. Joseph Warner officiating.

Internment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blessed Trinity Food Pantry, 300 E. Tallmadge Ave. Akron OH 44310.

Blessed Trinity Parish Food Panty
300 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron OH 44310