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YOUNGSTOWN -- Rita Ann Peloza Nolfi passed away peacefully, at her home, on July 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief illness.
Rita was born May 25, 1942, in Youngstown, a daughter of Sam and Ann Krossman Peloza.
Rita graduated from Memorial High School in Campbell in 1960. She continued her education at the Trumbull Memorial School of Nursing, graduating in 1963. Because she loved helping people, Rita devoted herself to advancing her education and career in nursing. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Youngstown State University in 1987 and a master's degree in nursing from Kent State University in 1993.
Rita began her nursing career as an assistant head nurse at Southside Hospital. Her years of service to the nursing profession reflected her genuine love and care for people. She concluded her career in the position she cherished most, serving as the adult day care nurse for the Mahoning County Health Department, from which she retired.
On June 13, 1970, Rita married Anthony Nolfi Sr., the love of her life. Tony and Rita were truly the loves of each other's lives, sharing many beautiful family holidays, events, activities and cherished traditions. They were lifelong parishioners of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in downtown Youngstown, where they participated in many church activities together. This is where her deep faith-based life was rooted and shown through in all aspects of her life.
Rita leaves to cherish her memory, her sons, Anthony (Phyllis) Nolfi Jr. and Jimmy (Melissa) Nolfi; her daughter, Ann-Marie (Joseph Jr.) Nohra; and her grandchildren, Anthony (Marisa) Nolfi III, Nicholas (Amanda) Nolfi, Donato Michael (Robyn) Nolfi, Rocco (Amy) Nolfi, Gianna Nolfi (Scott) Jakubek, Joseph J. Nohra, Jimmy Nolfi, Dominic Nohra and Ella Nolfi.
Her greatest accomplishment was being a Nana, and she was also a proud and loving Nana to 17 great-grandchildren, who will eternally miss her and cherish her memory. Rita also leaves behind her sisters, Georgene (John) Pavlik and Bonnie (Thomas) Augustine, with whom she spent hours talking on the telephone each day, in what was affectionately known as "The Peloza Hotline"; her brother-in-law, Frank (Pam) Nolfi and her sister-in-law, Donna Nolfi; and many cherished nieces and nephews, who always made her very proud. She also leaves many loving friends who never left her side and always encouraged her to join them for lunches and dinners, even when she was not feeling well. Lastly, she leaves behind a very special cat named Bootsie.
Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Anthony Nolfi Sr., who passed away April 25, 2010; her son, Fred Nolfi; and her siblings, Millie (Steve) Kanik, Sam (Rose) Peloza and Steve (Carolyn) Peloza.
Since 2018, Rita made her home with her daughter, Annie; her son-in-law, Joe; and her grandsons, Dominic Rocco and Joseph James. There, she enjoyed sharing everyday activities, including mealtimes, cooking and family traditions. She offered loving guidance in every detail of their home and throughout her entire family. Nothing brought Rita more pleasure than celebrating each and every holiday by decorating and filling the table with food. Having her children and their spouses, her grandchildren and their spouses, and later her great-grandchildren and her sisters gathered around the family table always made her smile.
In her pastime, Rita enjoyed reading, playing word games and spending time with friends. She treasured her nursing club friends, who gathered throughout their lives, and she will forever be missed by them.
The family would like to thank FirstLight Home Care and Expand Health at Home for the loving care and hospitality they provided to Rita throughout the last year.
Family and friends may call from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, at Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman, OH 44512.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with the Very Rev. Monsignor John Zuraw, pastor, officiating.
Memorial contributions in Rita's memory may be made to her treasured women's church group, the Mothers of the Crucifix Society, in care of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman.
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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