Rita Maria Lucchesi

Dear Family and Friends,

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Maria Lucchesi, who left us on July 15, 2026, in Ocala, Florida. Born in Queens, New York, on December 4, 1941, Rita lived a full and complete life. Over the years, from Jackson Heights, she lived on Long Island, New York, and spent time in Florida and Virginia before finally settling back in Ocala.

Rita was the beloved daughter of Felicia Mary and Robert Wright, the sister of Francis Alicata, and a loving relative to many half-brothers, half-sisters, and extended family members. In 1961, she married Joseph F. Lucchesi (who passed away in 2012). Together, they had four children: Lori, Joseph, Robert, and Rita. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt, serving as the true anchor and shining star of our family.

A proud 1960 graduate of Newtown High School, a devout Catholic, Rita worked as an administrative assistant for Long Island Savings Bank, Carl Burr Realty, and Knowlcrest Builders. Later in life, she dedicated her time to volunteering at Pasco County Schools, the Pasco County Library, and in administration for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. She had a passion for playing mahjong, crocheting, reading, and cooking for the family gatherings she loved to host. In their younger years, she and Joseph also loved going dancing with their friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Rita Lucchesi Flood of Virginia, and her son, Robert Lucchesi, along with his wife, Alicia, of Maine.

We appreciate everyone who joins us to celebrate the life of our mother. She loved you all and will always be remembered as a compassionate, strong-willed mother, wife, daughter, and friend. Though gone too soon, she will remain in our hearts forever.

Ave Maria, gratia plena,

Dominus tecum.

Benedicta tu in mulieribus,

et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei,

ora pro nobis peccatoribus,

nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae.

Amen.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the American Cancer Society: https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialbutton