Rita Giuffre
Age - 92
December 9, 2023
Rita Elizabeth Giuffre passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her children and several grandchildren on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the age of 92. Rita was first-generation Italian born on August 26, 1931 to Daniel and Immaculata Lubisco. Along with her parents, "Baby Rita" was predeceased by her five older brothers: John, Francis "Frank", Albert "Huggie", and Nicholas "Nicky", son-in-law Kenny Earp and grandson Brian Charlton. Additionally, our mother will join the love of her life, Carmine Thomas ("Jeff") Giuffre. Rita was the proud matriarch to her four children, Steven, Elizabeth (Scott) Holmes, Jeanne Earp, and Thomas (Lynn); her grandchildren: Jonathan (Mary) and their kids Nora and Michael, Evan and Aidan Giuffre; Mia Holmes; Morgan, Connor (Sharmara) and their son Reginald, Chandler and Courtney Earp; and Angelina and Dennis Giuffre. "Momma" Rita / Granny Rita / Ms. Rita had countless adopted children, grandkids, friends, and admirers for her strength, kindness, generosity and goofiness. Rita was born and raised in a tenement two-bedroom apartment in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, New York, alongside four siblings and her single mother. After marrying in 1957, Rita and her husband Jeff moved out to southern Long Island where all four of her children were born. The family moved to Virginia Beach in 1974. Rita was a proud wife and mother who volunteered wherever possible, lunched with friends, played a little of tennis (though, being a fan of relaxing mornings, she often hoped for rain), and was the best mom and spouse anyone could want. She was famous for her Italian cooking, especially known for her Eggplant Parmigiana, Lasagna, Baked Ziti and Chicken Parm. There was always room at her dinner table for any friends or kids who showed up. Rita began working at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater when it opened in 1996. Other jobs included work at The Sandler Center, ODU events, and the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Rita especially loved her work at the VBCC and Amphitheater, where she worked even up till this summer. The Amphitheater was her favorite spot and it took a lot for her to miss an event. There, she was adored by co-workers and fans alike, and could often be seen hanging out and chatting with both. If you went through the side gate (officially now known as "Rita's Gate") over the last 25 years or so, odds are you saw Ms. Rita holding court. Our family is very appreciative of the love and support provided by all her work friends throughout her employment.
A visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Thursday December 14, 2023 at Altmeyer Funeral Home Maestas Chapel (1801 Baltic Ave. Virginia Beach, VA). A funeral mass will be held on Friday December 15, 2023 at Star of the Sea Catholic Church (1404 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach, VA) with Father Steve officiating. A graveside at Princess Anne Memorial Park will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations are made to a charity of your choosing in Rita's name.Show more
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