Rita M. E. Varacalli 1935-2025

At the age of 90, Rita leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, beauty, and joy — and we imagine her and Dominic dancing together on streets of gold.

Rita was born on March 15, 1935, in the small hill town of Cirella, Reggio Calabria, Italy. The eldest of four children, she grew up during World War II with her parents, Rosa and Rocco Zappia. Though they had little, they endured the hardships of war together. On Nov. 23, 1951, Rita and her family reunited in America with her father, who had arrived earlier to work on the railroad, determined to build a better life.

At just 16 years old, Rita set aside finishing school to work as a seamstress, helping her family thrive. In 1954, she married the love of her life, Dominic Varacalli, a steelworker who had also immigrated from Calabria. Together, they faced life’s joys and sorrows, including the heartbreak of two miscarriages, and were ultimately blessed with their cherished son, Joseph, born in 1961.

How does one capture the meaning of a mother’s life? Rita was loving, hardworking, wise and endlessly fun. She was also high-spirited, stubborn, and proudly boastful, hallmarks of a devoted Italian mother whose duties included overfeeding everyone, worrying incessantly and masterfully wielding guilt. She would not have had it any other way, and neither would her family.

Rita taught those around her to live creatively and surround themselves with beauty. Her home was filled with ornate dishes, treasured trinkets, and countless dance trophies she earned alongside Dominic. Her closets overflowed with jewelry and bedazzled clothing.

After graduating from beauty school, Rita coowned and operated La Prima Tressa with her dear friend Marlene Rock. She also taught ceramics and lovingly created floral arrangements for many of her nieces’ and nephews’ weddings. Her yard was a reflection of her spirit — abundant gardens, statues, flowers and flowing fountains.

A proud member of several Italian American organizations, Rita was especially active in the Auxiliary Women’s Club of St. Anthony’s in Struthers and was deeply devoted to the annual St. Joseph Novena at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. E stata una bella vita — it truly was a beautiful life. In her later years, Rita found joy watching classic movies and visiting with friends, especially Michelle Pagely, who listened to her stories and danced with her in the living room.

She cherished frequent meals with her youngest grandson, Joe (Kaylynn) Varacalli, and her great-grandchildren, Enzo (2) and Rocco (7 weeks). She delighted in FaceTime visits with granddaughter Dr. Sofia (Luke) Szari, Lt. Col., U.S. Air Force, and her great-grandchildren Luca (19), Selah Rose (16), Tessa Bella (13) and Nico (10), as well as grandson Dominic (Alex) Varacalli.

Rita is survived by her beloved son, Joseph (Diane) Varacalli; her three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her brother, Joseph (Karen) Zappia; and her sister, Barbara Polito.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dominic Varacalli; her sister Immacolata; her brothers-in-law Frank Polito and Thomas Pitts.

Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica in Youngstown. Meet directly at church for the Mass.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital ER, ICU and Hospice House of the Valley, for their exceptional care and kindness. Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family by visiting the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

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