Rita Gentile, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away on September 4, 2026, at the age of 99. Born on December 27, 1926, in Yonkers, New York, Rita lived a life filled with love, kindness, and devotion to her family.Rita was the daughter of John DiCola and Ida Scipioni she grew up in a loving home with her 4 siblings. Rita remained very close to her siblings and their spouses throughout her life, sharing a special bond with each of them and treasuring the many memories they made together as a family.Rita worked as a seamstress for more than 20 years at Vin-Ann in Yonkers, NY.On February 2, 1947, Rita married the love of her life, Hans Gentile, Sr. Together, they raised their family in Yonkers and later retired to Mahopac, NY. They spent their weekends "up the country" at a home that Hans built alongside his sister and brother-in-law, Enesse and Elio Giovagnorio. Rita was happiest when surrounded by family, and family was always at the center of her life.

Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband, Hans Gentile, Sr., with whom she shared a beautiful marriage of more than 54 years until his passing in 2001. She was also predeceased by her beloved granddaughter, Christine Coulson, who held a special place in her heart. Their bond was truly special, and Christine brought a light and joy to Rita's life that she treasured deeply.Together, Hans and Rita were blessed with two loving children, Joanne (Dale) Larson and Hans (Debra) Gentile, Jr., who carry forward their mother's love, kindness, and compassion.Rita is survived by her loving children, Joanne (Dale) Larson and Hans (Debra) Gentile, Jr.; her grandchildren, Thomas Coulson, Michelle (Thomas) DeVivo, Denise (Frank) Servello, Hans (Cortnee) Gentile III, Jennifer (Susan) Larson, and Jason Larson; and her twelve great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Emma Esposito, and her beloved sister-in-law, Agnes and her husband Raymond Juback. 

In addition to her late husband, Hans, Rita was predeceased by her siblings and their spouses, Nino (Josephine) DiCola, Inez (Stephen) DiLello, Donald Esposito, and Gilda (Nunzio) Scaringella; as well as her sisters-in-law and their spouses, Enesse (Elio) Giovagnorio and Elia (Nick) Barberini.Rita was deeply loved by her many nieces and nephews, whom she spoke of often with great love and joy. She treasured her family and the special relationships she shared with each of them.The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Epic Rehabilitation for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they showed Rita over the last few years. A very special thank you goes to Cecelia Matailo, whose care and kindness toward Rita went above and beyond. She became someone Rita and her family were grateful to have in her life. 

The family invites all who knew and loved Rita to join them in celebrating her remarkable life.In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Rita's memoryTo have known Rita was to have been loved by her. She lived a full and beautiful life, surrounded by family, friendship, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.