Rita R. (Agostino) Wagner

Rita Wagner, 83, of Peabody, MA, formally from New Paltz, NY, passed away peacefully after a long, progressive battle with dementia. Rita is predeceased by her husband, Bart and her two sisters; Mae DeFillipis and Frances “Chickie” Galasso. Rita is survived by her sister Anne Marie Capossela and her children; Bart Jr. and his wife Christi of Lebanon, PA and daughter Heidi Hogan and her husband Tom of North Reading, MA. 

Family was the most important part of her life.  Rita cherished her time with her grandchildren Samantha Wagner and Tommy and Derek Hogan.  

Rita earned her Masters in Education from SUNY New Paltz and began her career as an elementary school teacher in the  Kingston City Schools, NY, rising through the years to become a Principal and then until retirement as an Assistant Superintendent. Rita was a founding member of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee that was enjoyed by the community for 15 years.  Rita enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending time on the Hudson River on the family boat.  In her 20 years at Brooksby Village, Rita was known and loved by all.   She greeted everyone she met with her beautiful smile.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rita’s family on Friday, May 19th from 4-8pm in the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St. (corner of Park St. and Rte. 28) North Reading at Reading line.  Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, May 20th at 11am. Interment to follow Saturdays service in Riverside Cemetery, North Reading. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Rita’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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