Obituaries

Mary Rita Kennelly

Mary Rita (née McGuire) Kennelly, 94, passed away July 19, at her home in Naples, Fla. 

She was born Dec. 1, 1919, to James and Catherine (née Fennell) McGuire. She married Thomas F Kennelly, Sept. 1, 1945, at Church of Saint Anthony in Nepera Park, N.Y. After 53 years of  blissful marriage, Tom pre-deceased her Aug. 28, 1998, in Manhasset.

“Rita” graduated from New Rochelle College with a Bachelor of Arts,  having distinguished herself with Masters of Art and later attained her master’s degree from University of Connecticut. Rita became a passionate teacher in Milford, Conn. and later, Manhasset.

In 2004, Rita relocated to Naples, where she enjoyed race-walking the white-sand beach. She lived out her days comfortably under the loving care of her daughter Kathleen and son-in-law Michael.

She is survived by three children,Thomas F Kennelly of Nantucket, Mass.; Kathleen (Michael) Feldon of Naples, Fla.; Mary (Robert) Payne of Palm Desert, Calif; and 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren whom, to her delight, cherished their beloved “GG.” She is also survived by her sister, Marion (William) Healey of Milford, Conn. and sister-in-law, Kaye (Daniel) Thomas of Yonkers and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Reginald H. Tuthill Funeral Home in Riverhead.

The family is requesting that memorial donations be made to Millenium House, 8951 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135

This is a paid notice.