Rita B. Durso (nee Marcolongo)

June 28, 1926 - November 11, 2025

St. Francis of Assisi

136 Saxer Ave

Springfield, PA 19064

Thursday 11/20, 9:30 am - 10:45 am

SS Peter & Paul Cemetery

1600 S Sproul Rd

Springfield, PA 19064

(610) 544-4933 |

Thursday 11/20

St. Francis of Assisi

136 Saxer Ave

Springfield, PA 19064

Thursday 11/20, 11:00 am

DURSO

Rita B. Marcolongo, age 99, born on June 28, 1926 in Camden NJ, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, in Springfield, PA. Rita’s life was marked by compassion, dedication, and a radiant warmth that touched everyone she encountered. She was a very dedicated mother to Janice and Steven. Also, a doting grandmother.

Rita had it hard as a child, helping her single mom raise her 4 younger siblings. But they all turned out successful in life and had beautiful families of their own. Over the years she had many interesting jobs. She was a substitute teacher for over a dozen years, working in the Catholic grade schools in the Philadelphia archdiocese.

She also worked in HR for Wanamaker’s in Springfield for years and finally, during her later years, worked on weekends at the White Manor Country Club, as a server. She did this until the age of 82 and stopped driving by her choice at 91.

She stayed in her home in Springfield until the age of 90, then going into an apartment for the next 3 years, where she continued to add close friendships to her already long list. Her last 6 years were spent at Springfield Crossings Assisted Living. Rita will be remembered there for her beautiful smile that just captured the hearts of everyone. Her magnetism was infectious. They just loved her. We were told by almost everyone, staff and residents alike, that it was a very sad day when she passed on.

Rita was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, in Springfield, for over 50 years. She and her husband of more than 50 years, Albert, had a beautiful relationship. Together they had many close friends. They did so many things together. Whether it be entertaining in their home, (Rita loved giving parties), going on cruises, spending a month down in Boca Raton, Fla. each year, and spending several days at a time down in Ocean City, N.J., to name a few.

Above all Rita cherished her wonderful husband, Albert, her family, and close friendships. She will surely be missed but always have a special place in the hearts of those that knew and loved her.

Predeceased by her husband, Albert Durso, her grandson, David Spector, and her parents, Theresa Valeriano and Joseph Marcolongo. She is also predeceased by her 4 younger siblings, Marie, Louis, Joseph and Anthony.

Survived by her children, Janice Spector (Gary) and Steven Durso, her grandchildren, Jason, Megan, and Amy, and her three great-grandchildren, Hayden, Chloe, and David and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives & friends are invited to her Viewing Thursday, November 20th, from 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM, followed by her Funeral Mass, 11:00 AM, ALL IN CHURCH, at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, 136 Saxer Ave, Springfield, PA 19064.

Interment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Contributions in Rita’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research hospital at https://www.stjude.org

Send Flowers Plant a Tree

St. Francis of Assisi

136 Saxer Ave

Springfield, PA 19064

Map

Thursday 11/20, 9:30 am - 10:45 am

SS Peter & Paul Cemetery

1600 S Sproul Rd

Springfield, PA 19064

(610) 544-4933 | Map

Thursday 11/20

St. Francis of Assisi

136 Saxer Ave

Springfield, PA 19064

Map

Thursday 11/20, 11:00 am

DURSO Rita B. Marcolongo, age 99, born on June 28, 1926 in Camden NJ, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, in Springfield, PA. Rita’s life was marked by compassion, dedication, and a radiant warmth that touched everyone she encountered. She was a very dedicated mother to Janice and Steven. Also, a doting grandmother. RitaContinue Reading

See Condolences

Janice and Steven, please accept my condolesences on the passing of your Mom. I have such fond memories of our time working together at White Manor. She could run circles around all who worked there and was always so much fun to be around. She was a wonderful person!

I light this candle in loving memory of Rita Durso ❤️

I have so many fond memories of Rita (we called her Rita Bee-ta!). Rita was FUN. The Durso's lived 3 "doors" down from us on Windsor Avenue. A second family to us. Our Mom, Gilda, and Rita were best friends. They loved to give/attend parties, bowl together and have a good time. They were GREAT moms!! The neighborhood kids could call them by their first names! Pretty cool for the 60's/70s! I loved when Rita was our substitute teacher - it was fun to "accidentally" call her "Rita" in the classroom instead of Mrs. Durso - to show that she was a friend! Janice was my best friend - my sister Sandy and I, and our brother Louis spent many happy hours in the Durso home. Mostly I learned the value of friendship by growing up surrounded by Rita and Al and our parents. Rita was super smart, witty, beautiful, strong and fun. Janice and Steven, my love to both of you at this sad time.

Some of my earliest memories include Rita (Rita Beeta)! She was my mother’s best friend, so we saw her often. Together, they taught me the true meaning of friendship. The Durso house was like a second home to my sister, Linda, and me. Janice and Steven were our best friends and we spent many hours playing there. I always knew and was comforted to know that Rita was always looking out for me (even when a wooden spoon was involved)! She was always one of my favorite people! I’m sure my mom is welcoming her with open arms!

Janice, my most sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Mother. She was always kind to me and made me feel welcome in her home. Although I have not seen her in many years, I still remember her beautiful smile.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

A briggt light here on earth, now an even brighter star shining in the night sky. Always loved, forever lovingly remembered. ♥️

Nonna You will always be in my heart

Rita brought light into every room she entered, her warm smile and grace lit up the room. Rita and I talked about everything over the years, and I will miss those conversations and her way of always bringing her wise and honest perspective that always had us both laughing....She was a gentle soul who taught herself to be strong, the kind of person we are so grateful to have had the privilege of knowing and being in our family. Rita I love you and will miss you dearly, as will all who knew and loved you. Until we meet again my unforgetable friend. Janice and Steven I pray for God to comfort you and give you strength.

Steve and Janice: so sorry for your loss. I thought for sure your mom was going to make it to the magical 100!!! Been a tough last month for you all. Cherish the many wonderful memories you have. Hang in there and lean on each other for love and support. I’m here for you anytime you need to talk. Sincerely, Tim

Dear Janice and Steve: No words can explain how much I loved your mother. We worked together at White Manor many years. But most of all I remember Rita and her mom having such good times with me and my mother. We had so many good times. They, like Rita and I had the same bond. We lived in the same neighborhood in Springfield. Our bond was so strong as much as our love and respect. So sorry for our loss, she was a beautiful, caring person. Love Cousin Louise

Janice and Gary, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow. Your mother was a beautiful person. May she rest in peace

Rita was such a lovely and unique person. The adjectives feisty, funny, thoughtful, wise, and kind immediately come to mind when thinking of her. I'll never forget the many barbecues she attended at our home and the funny, spirited conversations at our dining room table with Rita and all the ladies. Rita frequently had us all in stitches with her perspectives on whatever the topic happened to be. She was loved by anyone who had the good fortune to know her and will be tremendously missed, but never forgotten!

So sorry for your loss. I remember her and your dad well always coming to my mother in law's house and our place playing cards having fun. God rest her soul. She will be missed. Take care

With sincerest condolences to Rita's Family, In memory of our dear, sweet friend, Rita. She will be greatly missed.

Fond Memories was purchased for the family of Rita Durso by Howard and Sharon Spector. Send Flowers

Grandmom was one of a kind and not many people invested in others the way she did. Even if it was a stranger she would wholeheartedly be interested in what they were saying. She had a way about her that brought joy into everyone's lives. Life won't be the same without grandmom. The definition of truly a wonderful woman that went above and beyond for everyone in her life. I love you grandmom.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

Rita B. Durso (nee Marcolongo)

Main Menu

Learn more about…