Obituary of Rita E. Neil

Rita Elizabeth Neil (nee D'Angelillio) took her place at the Banquet Table of the Lord on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. Rita was surrounded by her loving family at her home. She was born on June 9, 1921 in Philadelphia, the daughter of Joseph and Julia (Lattiere) D'Angelillio. Rita attended St. Rita of Cassia Grammar School before moving to Hammonton where she went to St. Joseph's elementary school and Hammonton High School, class of 1939. Rita was married to Thomas E. Neil on Nov. 27, 1948 at St. Rita's Rectory. They raised four children, Sister Linda Neil, CSJ, Mimi (Amelia) E. Neil, Liz (Wibby) Mazuk and Thomas J. Neil who predeceased his mom. Her family and church were central to Rita's life. When TJ was born with spina bifida, she worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of the physically disabled and she opened her heart and home to Tom's friends. Rita was very active at St. Joseph School PTA. She was a vibrant member of St. Joseph Parish were she was in the St. Rita Society, serving as the president for years. When the new parishes were created in Hammonton in the 60's, Rita was active at St. Martin de Porres and was president of the Altar, Rosary Society. As St. Anthony of Padua Parish took shape, Rita became a moving force in the new parish, serving on the Parish Council and becoming its first president. Rita was a catechist, lector, Eucharistic minister and pastoral care minister. She was a member and president of the Altar Rosary Society for years. Rita received the "Parishioner of the Year" award from St. Anthony's. Rita had extensive work experience in Philadelphia at the Quartermaster Depot and the Bureau of the Mint. After 25 years working as a bookkeeper, she retired from Perrone Door Co., Hammonton. Rita enjoyed celebrating life with her family, vacationing at Cape May and watching the Phillies. She was famous for her letter writing, frequently sending editorial letters to the newspapers and get well or cheer up notes to family and friends. Rita loved creating handmade items for the Sisters of St. Joseph Gift Shop and the Religious Teachers Filippini Annual Sisters' Bazaar. She also knitted prayer shawls for the Sisters of St. Joseph Prayer Shawl Ministry. Rita is survived by her three daughters and her son-in-law, Harry Mazuk, her grandchildren, Corinne and Neil Wood, Christine Marts and her fiance, Joseph Layton; her great-grandchildren, Joseph Crist, Nicholas Layton, Nico and Rocco Marts. Also surviving Rita are her nieces and nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother, James D'Angelillio. Calling hours will be at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish Church of St. Anthony of Padua Church on 285 Rte 206 in Hammonton on Wednesday, Dec 5, 2012 from 6:00pm until 9:00pm and again on Thursday 10:00am until 11:00am. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the Retired Sisters,385 Watervliet-Shaker Rd., Latam, NY12110-4799 (attention Sister Carol Rohloff, CSJ) or to St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church of St. Anthony of Padua.