Rita Emanuel

Rita M. Emanuel, peacefully passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 90 years of age.  Born to the late Frank and Antoinetta (nee Testa) Rotonta, Rita has been a lifelong resident of South Philadelphia.  For many years she worked at Silverman’s Bridal shop on South Street and for the Priests at Annunication B.V.M Roman Catholic Church. Everyone in the neighborhood knew her as “Little Rita”.  Beloved wife of the late Joseph Emanuel.  She is survived by her children, Frances (Angelo) Iannelli, Annamarie (Patrick) Ferrell, Bart, Frank (Veronica) and Bernadette (John) Mosca, in addition to her 12 grandchildren, Melissa (Shawn) McCloskey, Stefanie (Ed) Volpe, Joseph (Laura) Emanuel, Jonathan (JoAnna) Iannelli, Stephen (Krista) Iannelli, Patrick (Maureen) Ferrell, Caitlin (Zoheir) Emanuel-Sedehi, Ryan Emanuel, Nicholas Emanuel (Josette Lancellotti), Bianca Mosca, Gabriella Mosca and Natalie Emanuel and 13 great-grandchildren: Samantha and Tyler McCloskey, Isabelle, Edward and Anthony Volpe, Abigail, Hailey and Dylan Iannelli, Luca, Brielle and Brody Iannelli, Rowan Ferrell and Alessandra Emanuel. Sister of Frank (Diana) Rotonta and Richard (the late Franny) Rotonta and the late Rose (Augie) DiDonato, John Rotonta and Marie Rotonta.  She will also be sadly missed by her nieces, nephews and cousins and her dear friends at St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Leisure Timers and the Sons of Italy, St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Lodge 2787.  Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing Wednesday 9 – 10AM  St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Roman Catholic Church, 712 Montrose Street, Philadelphia, PA  19147.  Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10AM.  The burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made in her memory to St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Roman Catholic Church, 712 Montrose Street, Philadelphia, PA  19147 or the Alzheimer’s Association ( www.alz.com ).