Rita V. (nee Covello) Gravina

GRAVINA Rita V. (nee Covello) passed on January 8, 2018. Rita was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. After receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree, Summa Cum Laude, in teaching, from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Rita went on to receive her Master’s Degree, graduating in the top five percent of her class, from the Royal Schools of Music in London, England. This degree is considered one of the finest in the world.Once Rita’s degrees were achieved, her efforts were brought to the United States where her performances included Broadway Musicals, National Television, Nightclubs and radio. In 1955, Rita, along with her husband John, opened the Rita Cavell Vocal Studio in Germantown, PA. Three years later she began initiating variety shows for Nursing Homes, Veterans Hospitals, non-profit organizations, and private banquets throughout Pennsylvania.In the years ahead, Rita would train and conduct a fifty-voice five part harmony choir at the Academy of Music, and on to produce and direct hundreds of theatrical productions throughout the Eastern United States. At the same time, Rita would continue to build her Vocal Studio into what is now considered one of the finest in the country. Her unique style of teaching, along with the devotion she has for her students has been mutually rewarding, both professionally and personally. Throughout the years, Rita has been responsible for developing the talent, character, and careers of countless professional entertainers. Hundreds of Rita’s students have performed on Broadway Stages, Nightclubs, Theatrical Productions, National T.V., commercials, MTV, and also in the Motion Picture Industry, in the past five years alone. In 1984, one of Rita’s former students became Miss America. Ms. Suzette Charles was a member of Rita’s studio for several years. Currently she has several students performing on stages in New York., LA. and across the country, several are in the process of shooting motion pictures. Her pride has recently been boosted by the incredible success of her beautiful young student Sabrina Carpenter .Throughout her career, Rita’s reputation would precede her, culminating in numerous citations and honors from organizations such as The American Legion (1974), The Chapel of the Four Chaplains (1978), and the Distinguished Service Certificate for the State of Pennsylvania (1983).Rita was the wife of the late John C., mother of the late John M., and sister of the late Frank Covello, Theresa Chochla, and Rosalie Maronese. Also sister of two siblings who passed in early childhood, Paul and John.She is survived by her children Kathy R. Gravina, Robert J., and Thomas J. (Tracey) Gravina, her grandchildren Thomas Jr., Parker, and Giovonna , also her siblings Bill (Lorna) Covello, Joan Rigato, and Mary (Bob) Zanni.Relatives & Friends are invited to her Funeral Mass on Thursday Morning, Jan. 18, 2018, at 10:30 AM , St. Matthias Church, 128 Bryn Mawr Ave. Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Interment immediately following at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, in Bala Cynwyd. The family will receive relatives and friends, following the burial, at Aronimink Golf Club 3600 St. Davids Rd., Newtown Square, PA 19073.Contributions may be made in her memory to St. Rita’s Church 1166 S. Broad St., Phila., PA 19146.Arrangements: D’Anjolell Memorial Homeswww.danjolell.com