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Rita Ann DiAntonio

January 20, 1943 - March 28, 2026
Visitation
St. Thomas of Villanova Church (on campus)
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA 19085
Wednesday 4/8, 9:30 am - 10:15 am

In lieu of flowers donations in Rita’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital  @ stjude.org

A cause dedicated to helping children in need.

Cemetery
SS Peter & Paul Cemetery
1600 S Sproul Rd
Springfield, PA 19064
(610) 544-4933 |
Wednesday 4/8
Mass
St. Thomas of Villanova Church (on campus)
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA 19085
Wednesday 4/8, 10:30 am
Rita Ann (nee Cianto) DiAntonio, age 83, of Upper Darby, passed away suddenly on March 28, 2026.
Beloved wife of 53 years to the late William A. DiAntonio, Jr., who passed
away in 2018.
Loving mother to Rita (Robert) Vahey, William A.III (Stephanie) DiAntonio,
Fredric M. (Hope Cathryn) DiAntonio. Adoring grandmother to Talia, Fiorio,
Emma, Vienna, Bryan, Joseph, and Elizabeth. Great-grandmother to Brayden,
Logan, Nathan, Noah, Navy, Carson, Isabelle.
Rita was predeceased by her mother, Marie (D’Urso) Cianto, and her father
Guido Federico Cianto, her brothers Donato Cianto and Michael Cianto.
Rita was raised in the Italian Overbrook neighborhood of West Philadelphia
next to her parish, Saint Donato’s.
Rita was employed at General Electric, where she met her husband Bill, and
then moved to Upper Darby, where she raised her three children. She volunteered and assisted
the children at St. Laurence Catholic School in Upper Darby, PA. She continued volunteering for 
the Augustinians at Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, PA.
Remaining with the Augustinians, she flourished and transitioned to Villanova University for 27 years,
working for the Dean of Enrollment Management. She believed education was the
foundation of success. She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees while working 
full-time at Villanova. Villanova University was the pinnacle of her employment and her second
home. She was ecstatic upon the election of Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova alumnus.
She had a great love for Wildwood Crest, NJ, where she worked many summers managing 
multiple motels and used her experience to teach her children about the hospitality industry. 
She was an avid sports fan, always cheering on her Philly teams. Rita was a loving mother 
and cook who took great joy in providing meals for her family and friends. She will be deeply missed.
 
Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing and funeral on Wednesday, April 8th, from
9:30 – 10:15 am at St Thomas of Villanova Church, 800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, Pa. 19085. Rita’s funeral mass will be at 10:30 am. Interment will
be at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations in Rita’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital  @ stjude.org
a cause dedicated to helping children in need.
Arrangements by Stigale Memorial Home of Aston.
Condolences may be made at www.danjolell.com.
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Visitation
St. Thomas of Villanova Church (on campus)
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA 19085
Map
Wednesday 4/8, 9:30 am - 10:15 am

In lieu of flowers donations in Rita’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital  @ stjude.org

A cause dedicated to helping children in need.

Cemetery
SS Peter & Paul Cemetery
1600 S Sproul Rd
Springfield, PA 19064
(610) 544-4933 | Map
Wednesday 4/8
Mass
St. Thomas of Villanova Church (on campus)
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA 19085
Map
Wednesday 4/8, 10:30 am

Rita Ann (nee Cianto) DiAntonio, age 83, of Upper Darby, passed away suddenly on March 28, 2026. Beloved wife of 53 years to the late William A. DiAntonio, Jr., who passed away in 2018. Loving mother to Rita (Robert) Vahey, William A.III (Stephanie) DiAntonio, Fredric M. (Hope Cathryn) DiAntonio. Adoring grandmother to Talia, Fiorio, Emma,Continue Reading

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Bobbie Gallo left a message on April 9, 2026:
Dear Freddie and Family, I am so sorry to hear of loss of your mother. May your memories of her bring you happiness and smiles. Your special angel will be looking over you from Heaven. May she Rest In Peace. My deepest condolences to your entire family, Bobbie Gallo
Anonymous left a message on April 6, 2026:
We will always remember Mrs. D's warmth, kindness, and her ever-present smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Waikiki Resort Staff left a message on April 4, 2026:
Rita never met a stranger, just friends she hadn’t talked to yet. I’ll always picture her stopping by the resort with that big smile, ready to share a story and brighten the day. She had such an easy, warm way about her that made everyone feel welcome and seen. Those little visits, the laughs, and her kindness meant more than words can say. Rita brought so much light into this world, and I feel lucky to have known her. She’ll be missed deeply by everyone here, but her smile and spirit will stay with us always.
Pam and Jane left a message on April 3, 2026:
Dear Bill and Stephanie - Our heartfelt sympathy at the loss of your Mom. May you find comfort in the cherished moments and happy memories you shared together. Our thoughts and prayers are with both of you and the rest of your family. Warmest Regards, Pam and Jane
Lisa Napoletano left a message on March 31, 2026:
May she rest in peace .
Danjolell Memorial Homes and Crematory left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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