Rita Elaine Gallina Cavallaro (formerly Peduto) of Middletown passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones Feb. 7, 2024. Born to Emil “Chick” and Rita Gallina, she was the eldest of four siblings, raised in Cliffside Park and later in Fair Lawn.
After graduating from St. Luke’s High School in 1963, Rita went on to receive her RN from Holy Name Hospital School of Nursing in 1966. There, her close friendship with Angela (Peduto) Freeman led her to her future husband, Damien Peduto. Damien and Rita settled in Long Branch where they raised their three children, Eric, Michael-Damien and Stephanie Peduto.
As a nurse and a diabetes educator, Rita continued her education, earning both a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in gerontology, after which she became a nursing home administrator and went on to develop her own business as a consultant and advisor to nursing homes throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. It was during this phase of her life that she met her current husband, Anthony Cavallaro. They relocated to Bonita Springs, Florida, where they spent many sunny years before returning to New Jersey.
In addition to her successful career, Rita also volunteered her time to the community as a member of the Juvenile Conference Committee, Habitat for Humanity and Relay for Life. She even ran for a position on the Long Branch Board of Education with the campaign slogan, “Rita Cares.”
Rita was predeceased by her parents, Chick and Rita. She is survived by her husband Tony and his daughter Lisa; her sister Darlene and brother-in-law Mark, her brother Emil; her brother Michael and sister-in-law Ruth; her former husband Damien; her son Eric and daughter-in-law Stephanie; her son Michael-Damien and daughter-in-law Alison; her daughter Stephanie; and “Mema’s” six amazing grandchildren, Joseph, Ava Rose, Andrew, Massimo, Emily and August. Rita also leaves behind many relatives and friends whom she loved dearly.
Rita’s passions for music, singing, dancing, baking and traveling contributed to her joy of life, contagious laugh and beautiful smile. Of her numerous achievements, Rita was most proud of her children and grandchildren. As an absolutely devoted mother, Rita instilled in her children the values of compassion, generosity, commitment and hard work. Throughout her life, she insisted that everyone be treated with dignity and respect which is also how Rita lived and died.
Memorial visitation was held March 2, with words of remembrance, at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank.
This article originally appeared in the February 22 – 28, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
