Rita M. (Palermo) Vicarel

Rita Vicarel, 94, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family at Hospice House Of The Valley on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

She was born in Youngstown on February 16, 1930, a daughter of John and Minnie Palermo.

She grew up on the East side, attending Immaculate Conception grade school and graduating from East High in 1948. Her first job was elevator operator at Ohio Edison where she thoroughly enjoyed the social aspect of her position. Subsequently, she worked varied jobs throughout life, but her most important role was wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker.

Rita married Fred Vicarel on April 18th, 1953. They raised three children and shared 66 wonderful years together until his passing in 2019.

Family was the center of Rita’s life. She leaves sons John (Sandra) Vicarel, Fred (Anna) Vicarel, daughter Lori (Frank) Mancini, grandchildren Jeffrey (Jessica) Vicarel, Laine Vicarel, Sophia (Carmen) Marinucci, Anita Mancini, Valentina Vicarel and great-grandson Jordan Vicarel, brother Jack (June) Palermo, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and infant twin sisters.

Rita was very social and loved to entertain. She enjoyed dancing, shows, sporting events, and frequent get-togethers of family and friends which were joyful hallmarks.  In 1948, she and her closest girlfriends from high school formed a monthly 500-bid card club which lasted nearly 70 years.  She had large families on both sides, and so planned and impromptu gatherings were frequent. Rita’s interests were varied and she loved chatting about any topic.  She took interest in each new turn in the lives her children and grandchildren to stay abreast of what everyone was up to.  Overall, she loved people and was always welcoming anyone who dropped by. When visitors left, her catchphrase was “Come back Again”.

Rita especially loved cooking, baking, and all sort of crafty projects.  Her spaghetti sauce, meatballs, pizzelles, and holiday treats were legendary, as well as her innovative and detailed decorating of family birthday cakes. After the family moved to boardman in 1977 she began hosting Easter Brunch and Christmas Eve “Eve” dinner on December 23rd.  These family traditions are carried on to this day by her loved ones, near and far.

The family of Rita Vicarel would like to extend a special thank you to her dear cousins Mary Ann and Rosemary, the staff at The Inn at Ironwood where she resided since March 2023 and the staff at Hospice House who provided excellent care in the final days of her life.  We are forever grateful for their kindness, compassion, and love.

As we must now sadly say “There she goes. She’s leaving us. We will miss her.” There is a lifetime worth of loved ones on the other side that are joyfully proclaiming “She’s here. She’s joining us. Now the party can start!”

Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday, November 25, 2024 from 9:30 am until 10:50 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 7325 Westview Dr., Boardman followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am with the Very Rev. Msgr. John Zuraw J.C.L., V.G. as celebrant. 

Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Rita’s family.

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