Stephentown – Rita Elizabeth Musante Mazzeo, 62, died suddenly Saturday, November 23, 2013, at the Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA, after suffering a stroke at home. Born in Pittsfield on November 11, 1951, she was the daughter of the late David and Stella Methe Musante. Rita was raised in Hinsdale, MA, graduated from St. Agnes Parochial School in Dalton, MA, and was a 1970 graduate of Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton. She later attended Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield.
Rita was a musician and the lead singer in many bands in the local area for over 25 years. She was employed as an administrative assistant for 13 years for McClave & Company, Inc. in Stephentown, NY. She was also the manager and chief bartender at the Stephentown Hotel for ten years and enjoyed art and jewelry. Most of all, she was a great wife and mother.
She was the beloved wife of Robert R. Mazzeo, whom she married on February 12, 1972, at Mount Carmel Church in Pittsfield and the loving mother of Navairre K. Mazzeo of Stafford, VA, and Robert R. Mazzeo II of Stephentown. Rita is survived by her three sisters, Marie Musante of Leesburg, VA, Rosemary Musante of Alexandria, VA, and Antoinette Bosso of Beverly, MA, as well as several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Rita’s life will be held Saturday, November 30, at 1 pm at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown, with Rev. John Close officiating. A calling hour will precede the service on Saturday from 12 to 1 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department, 396 State Route 43, Stephentown, NY, 12168. To light a candle or to sign the condolence book, please visit ParkerBrosMemorial.com.