Obituary: Rita M. Fratarcangeli, age 90

With profound love and cherished memories, we announce the peaceful passing of Rita Mollica Fratarcangeli, known fondly as Nonni or Nonna Rita, on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025. Surrounded by her devoted family in her Milford home, Rita entered into eternal rest at the age of 90.

Born in the picturesque town of Ripi, in the Province of Frosinone, Lazio, Italy, on May 1, 1934, Rita was the daughter of the late Michele and Maria (Mariani) Mollica. At the young age of 20, with incredible strength and courage, she left behind her lifelong home, embarking on a journey to a new world with her toddler in her arms and a heart full of hope. In 1955, Rita and her beloved husband, the late Pierino Fratarcangeli, settled in the United States, where they built a life filled with love, perseverance, and deep family values.
Rita was a hardworking machine operator for over 30 years, but her true life’s work was her family. With grit and compassion for others — and outstanding cooking skills that brought everyone to her table — Rita was the heart and soul of her family. She was the glue that kept them together, filling their lives with love, laughter, and unforgettable meals. Though she lived a long life, almost 91 years, to her family it was not nearly long enough.
She is survived by her loving children: Michele Benedosso and her husband, Anthony; Rose Baird and her husband, Jeffery, of Milford; and Carlo P. Fratarcangeli and his wife, Teri, of Stamford, CT. Rita’s legacy shines brightly through her eight precious grandchildren: Courtney Baird Asilvera (Rony), Lauren Baird, Kiley Anne Baird, Anthony Benedosso (Samke), Michael Benedosso (Mariel), Patrick Benedosso (Jessica), LaRue Brown, and Roman Pierino Fratarcangeli. Her greatest joy was watching her family grow, and she delighted in the love of her seven great-grandchildren: Jack Greene, Gabriella Asilvera, Sophia Terentiuk, Eliana, Lucca, Livia, and Enzo Benedosso.
Rita also leaves behind two dear lifelong friends she called sisters, Marisa Liburdi and Palma Piselli, whose love and friendship were a cherished blessing throughout her life. She is predeceased by her beloved sisters, Pietrina Mollica and Francesca Lunghi, now reunited with her in eternal peace.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 14th at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Church (Precious Blood Parish), 70 Gulf Street, Milford. Entombment will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Stratford. In honor of Rita’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Rita’s memory to Saint Mary’s Church (Precious Blood Parish), and The Connecticut Hospice https://www.hospice.com/
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com.