Mary Rita Pignatelli (81) passed away on March 6, 2017 after a courageous battle against cancer.

She was born and raised in Akron and was an active member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish where she served as a commentator and school volunteer. Rita was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother to 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, and a dear friend to many others. Her days were filled with love and laughter that created precious memories that touched the hearts of all who knew her. Rita's special devotions were to her family and to the church. Rita was preceded in death by her parents Michael and Adeline Zarling, sisters Laura Mandat and Sr. Michaeleen OP, and brother Reverend Paul Zarling.

Rita leaves behind her loving husband Bart, of 57 years, daughters AnnMarie (Robert) Mittiga and Fonda (Daniel) Kirchner, and son Frank Pignatelli; sister Alice Vitantonio; grandchildren Matt (Heather) Mittiga, Melissa (George) Namay, Michael (Julie) Mittiga, Mark Mittiga, Dominic Mittiga, AnnMarie Kirchner, Kathleen Kirchner, and Daniel Kirchner, 13 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses of Seidman Cancer Center of University Hospital and the Justin T. Rodgers Hospice Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rita's name to the Sisters serving St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Akron, 93 Mosser Place, Akron OH 44310.

Family will receive friends on Thursday March 9, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00p.m. at Hennessy Funeral Home (corner of York and Main), 552 North Main Street, Akron OH 44310. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday March 10, 2017 at 11:00a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Parish of Akron, 83 Mosser Place with Rev. Edward Burba and John P. Singler officiating.  Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron.