Obituary of Margaret "Rita" Mottolese (nee Tatta)

Margaret “Rita” Mottolese, 98, of Barefoot Bay, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on January 15, 2023.

Rita was born on January 22, 1924, in the Bronx, New York, the youngest of seven children. In 1986, she moved to Barefoot Bay from Rockland County, New York.

In 1946, she married Bart Mottolese; they were married for 53 wonderful years before his death in 1997.

Rita was Assistant Director of the New City Motor Vehicle Department, where she worked for over twenty years before retiring to Florida.

She was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church and Choir in Micco, Vice-President of the Barefoot Bay Computer Club, Treasurer of the Italian-American Club, and member of the Polish American Club and the Red Hats. At the age of 86, she became a volunteer for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department, making home phone calls to check on the well-being of elderly individuals.

Rita had a lust for life that was infectious; she lit up a room the moment she entered. She also had a wicked sense of humor and welcomed any challenge with enthusiasm and competitiveness, especially when playing cards or dominoes.

Rita is survived by her two daughters, Susan McSherry, widow of James, of Waretown, New Jersey, and Patricia Hance, husband Richard, of Peterborough, New Hampshire, her son, Anthony Mottolese, wife Kelley, of Pomona, New York, her grandchildren Anthony and Andrew Mottolese, Jim and Tim McSherry, Heather Maragulia, husband Chris, and six great-grandchildren: Brendon, Connor, Liam, Michael, Madison, and Makayla.

Rita also leaves behind her beloved friend and companion of 21 years, Joe Joy.

A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring in New York.

Ammen Family Cremation & Funeral Care of Melbourne, Florida was in charge of all arrangements.