Rita (Marotto) Bartlett, 82 of Southington, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at home on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. She was the wife of the late Lawrence Bartlett.
Rita was born in Southington on Dec. 30, 1933, the daughter of the late James and Anna (Palumbo) Marotto. She received a degree in Human Services and served the Town of Southington for over 20 years as the Welfare Officer and Program Director of the CETA program. She was the founder and President of the Good Samaritan Fund. Rita was instrumental in providing hundreds of families with countless necessities and supplies.
Rita’s interest in the people of Southington surpasses that of merely an employee. This was demonstrated by the devotion she had for her “people” and the long hours spent serving and assisting to their need. She not only originated the “Smart Start” program to help children with back to school supplies, but she was responsible for promoting and expanding the “Holiday Program” for her clients to something very extensive, combining both community and church particiation.
She was active in many organizations such as the Junior Woman’s Club, the Drug Task Force, Youth Advisory Board, Parents Anonymous, Southington Social Action Council, United Way of Southington and Charter Oak College. She was involved in the Bread for Life program as well as many programs of the Salvation Army of Central CT. and had received the person of the year award from the Southington YMCA in 2000.
She is survived by 7 loving children, Lawrence and wife Carol Bartlett, Wayne and wife Janice Bartlett , Michael and wife Barbara Bartlett, Darlene Bartlett, Diane Boucher, Denise Cowles and Debra Koczon; 17 cherished grandchildren Stephen, Kenneth, Jennifer, Matthew, Daniel, Amanda, Kevin, Jason, Raymond, Megan, Charlie, Stephanie, Devon, Jennifer, Nicole, John and Kaitlin and many great -grandchildren. She was predeceased by a granddaughter Chris Jude Bartlett and a sister JoAnn Charette.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016 at 9:15 am from the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. to St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol St. at 10 am for a Mass. Burial will be at St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Monday from 4-8 pm.
Donations may be made in her memory to the Southington Community Services, 91 Norton St. Plantsville, CT 06479
For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com