Rita D. (Pignuola) Rinaldi

Rita Pignuola Rinaldi, 98, of Glenolden, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2021.

Rita was the daughter of the late Donato Pignuola and Agnes Larossa, who emigrated from Basilicata, Italy to Philadelphia at the turn of the twentieth century.  Rita was born on March 7, 1923, at their home in South Philly.  While a child, she was a member of Saint Rita of Cascia Parish and Saint Nicholas Parish.  Both welcomed waves of Italian immigrants and their children.  Rita related fond memories of her religious upbringing and the profound example of her mother’s deep faith and devotion to God. That, coupled with participating in Italian American festivals and cultural celebrations, formed the basis of her life and the foundation of a happy marriage.  She worked in the Signal Corps of the Army during World War II.  As a teenager and young woman, she loved dancing to Big Band music at neighborhood social clubs.  Rita was an excellent cook and known for the delicious meals she offered her guests.  Many will miss her homemade pizzelles and other recipes too numerous to mention.

Beloved wife of the late Elio Rinaldi.  Loving mother of Robert (Cynthia), Diane (James) Korenkiewicz, Sister Rita Rinaldi, IHM, and Richard (Terrie). Cherished grandmother of nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.  She is predeceased by her siblings, Pasquale, Anna, Angelo, Isabel, and Rocco.  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

A viewing and Mass of Christian Burial will be held for the immediate family (due to Covid restrictions) at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Morton, Pennsylvania, at 10:00 AM, on Thursday, May 27, 2021.  

In lieu of flowers, relatives and friends are invited to contribute to the Foundation For  Prader-Willi Syndrome, www.fpwr.org. 

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