Rita J. Bucarelli Kownacki

Rita J. Bucarelli Kownacki

Rita J. Bucarelli Kownacki, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2011.

Rita was born in Erie, a daughter of the late Bruno and Anastasia Gasbarro Bucarelli. She was formerly employed at Erie Ceramic Arts, Erie Technological Products and was a volunteer at Golden Living Western Reserve Nursing Home. Rita also enjoyed going to bingo, the casino, and playing cards with her friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Victor J. Kownacki; a brother, Joe Bucarelli; a sister Liz Noziglia; sister-in-law, Dorothy Bucarelli and brother-in-law, Jack Russell.

Rita is survived by her daughters, Victoria J. Pauley, Sandy (Ennis) Whalen, and Camille (Matt) Houck, all of Erie; grandchildren, Kristen, Megan and Jillian Pauley, Aaron, Samantha and Zachary Houck; great-grandsons, Ethan, Owen and Rhiley; sisters, Gilda Presutti and Jann Russell, all of Erie. Rita will also be sadly missed by her best friend Peg Speros.

A private service was held on January 19, 2011. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Forms also available on the web site at www.stjude.org.

The John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street handled the arrangements.