Rita M. Cretella
Date of Passing:
Rita M. (Langlois) Cretella, 82, of Barrington, died peacefully on July 7, 2024 at Rhode Island Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of John P. Cretella.
Born in Central Falls, a daughter of the late Oscar and Beatrice (Brousseau) Langlois, she lived in Barrington for 56 years. Rita graduated with honors from Notre Dame High School, Class of 1961, and from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Medical Technology, Providence, Class of 1963. She was a Medical Laboratory Technician at Miriam Hospital for 23 years before retiring in 2006.
Rita was a communicant of Holy Angels Church, Barrington where she also was a Religious Education Instructor for several years. Additionally, she was a special education teacher’s aide at Hampden Meadow School in Barrington, and also a member of the PTA Board Ways and Means Committee. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, traveling with her husband, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Rita will be remembered for her joyful and courageous spirit, and for her devotion to faith and family.
Besides her husband of 57 years, she is survived by a daughter, Michelle A. Cretella, MD and her husband Mark Mancini, MD of Westerly; a son, David J. Cretella and his wife Marilyn of East Greenwich; and six grandchildren, Christopher, John, Michael and Marianna Mancini, and Katie and Nicole Cretella.
Rita’s Funeral will be held on Thursday July 11, 2024 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue Riverside at 8:30 a.m. with a Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Angels Church, Maple Avenue, Barrington at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Daggett Avenue, Pawtucket.
Calling Hours are Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions made in Rita’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 would be deeply appreciated.
John, our deepest condolences for your loss. Rita was such a wonderful person. She will truly be missed.
Our prayers are with you and your family. Ted and Carol Fazioli
Oh, John, how sad we are to hear of Rita’s passing! We sat for a very long time reminiscing about what a wonderful woman she was, so full of grace and love, so kind and giving of herself. Her smile said it all! Our condolences to you and the wonderful family that you both nurtured. We hope your fortitude holds true during this time of grief; she would want you to be strong. We’re sending this from our hearts, remembering our youth and respecting the people you both became.
We send our deepest condolences to John and all the Cretella and Mancini family. Rita was such a special lady, full of positivity and light. We will remember her smile and friendship!