Rita J. Martinelli

(nee Iezzi)  On May 14, 2022, surrounded by her loving family, of Glassboro, formerly of Washington Twp.  Age 79.  Beloved wife of 61 years to Norman L. Martinelli.  Devoted mother of Lisa Costanzo (Ben), Adam Martinelli (Sinclair Dunlop), Gary Martinelli, Sr. (Delores), and Norman Martinelli (Stephanie).  Loving grandmother of Christina, Gary, Jr., Hannah, Michael, Maria, Joseph, and Nicholas.  Dear sister of Daniel Iezzi, Evelyn Bertino, and the late Dora, Frances, Angelo, Marie, Edith, Laura, Joseph “Al”, Elvera, and Theresa.  Loved by many nieces and nephews.

Rita was the youngest daughter of 12 from the Iezzi family of Camden. Rita graduated from Mount Carmel business school in 1957, married Norman in 1961 and shortly thereafter she and Norman began their family in Washington Township.

Rita led a rich and wonderful life full of faith, fun and family.  Her many passions included endless love and support for her family with whom she stayed in constant and close contact (especially on lengthy phone calls, often daily, with her sister Evelyn and dear friend Mena).

Her other interests included cooking, dancing, shopping and spending time at the beach, especially in Fortescue. Rita’s other hobbies included bowling as a keen member of the Sand Pebbles team in the local Senior League.  An enthusiastic Eagles and Phillies fan, Rita often enjoyed game days surrounded by family.  But her favorite sport was cheering on all of her seven grandchildren from the sidelines, at all times.

Rita led by example, enjoying life to the full, at home, at church, and with family throughout every season.  Her and Norman’s travels took them to Hawaii, Brazil, the UK and Italy, including visits with family to Rome, London and Edinburgh.

Rita’s joy for her family was forever shown in a never-ending flow of Hallmark cards she sent to her entire family and many friends, never missing a birthday, holiday or any special occasion, year after year.

Rita touched so many with her joy for life and love for family.

Family and friends are invited to attend her visitation Wednesday 7:00-9:00 PM at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Rd., Washington Twp., and Thursday 10:00-11:00 AM at Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish/Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, 500 Greentree Rd., Glassboro, NJ 08028.  Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 AM.  Interment, Hillcrest Memorial Park, Washington Twp.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita’s memory may be made to The American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.  www.cancer.org

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”