Rita May Rourke, of Deep River, died on Oct. 16, 2024, at the age of 88, after a brief illness. She was born in New Britain on Sept. 29, 1936, to Charles A. Saglio Sr. and Angeline (Scalise) Saglio of Clinton. She was predeceased by a sister, Marie Saglio, and a brother, Rev. Dr. Charles A. Saglio Jr.

She held a B.S. in education, an M.S. in child psychology and a reading certification from Central Connecticut State University. A committed educator for over 40 years, Rita taught elementary education and reading in Madison Public Schools and was a special education aide at Westbrook High School.

She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, James D. Rourke; her daughter, Marissa Rourke Smith; her son-in-law, Randall Smith; and her granddaughter, Satya Smith; as well as her “favorite cousins,” Marita Gargulio and Gemma Matthewson.

Throughout her life, Rita enjoyed playing piano, reading, knitting and crocheting, baking, nature, and devoting her care and love to her family.

A funeral Mass was held on Oct. 22 at Saint Joseph’s Church, 48 Middlesex Avenue in Chester, with burial immediately following at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Beach Park Road in Clinton. Visitation was held before the funeral Mass at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rita’s name to Middlesex Health Hospice, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT O6457. To share a memory of Rita or leave a condolence for her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.