Died June 1, 2021, at Malton Village Long Term Care Centre, after a brief illness as a result of a stroke in March. Rita was the widow of Gregory Antonacci Sr. (d. 2007).
Born Rita Catherine Connelly in Bexley, Ontario, to John and Catherine (Martin) Connelly, January 25, 1940. Rita earned her early formal education at the Bexley S. S. No. 6 and the St. John’s Elementary schools, secondary education at St. Margaret’s High School in Kirkfield, Ontario, and hairdresser’s college in Saskatoon. Rita had a long career as a talented hair colour technician in Toronto, officially retiring in December 2020.
Rita was a treasured member of two large and loving families and a valued friend to many.
In the Connelly family, Rita (Kit) is survived by sisters Margaret McNish and Terry Fontaine, brothers Gerald, Mike and Larry, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; predeceased by her parents John and Catherine, sisters Helen Vandersteen, Joanie and Mary and brothers Joe, Jack and Charles.
Rita is survived by stepdaughter Gia and her husband Nick DeJulio, and by Susan (Price) Antonacci, widow of Gregory Antonacci, Jr., Rita’s stepson. Rita was a loving grandmother, delighted to be Nonny to Gabriel Antonacci (Robin Calvert), Gia Antonacci (Dale Goodman), Angela Black (Michael) and Victor DeJulio (Meagan Brown). Rita got to meet her new great-grandchild, Jude Gregory Black, and she was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Victor and Meagan’s child due in July.
Rita enjoyed golfing with the Golden Eagles Group, reading novels, comparing knitting projects with her niece Loretta Antonacci, completing thousand-piece puzzles, and a glass of white wine especially at big family parties. A special note of thanks to stepdaughter Gia and Rita’s niece, Pat (Vandersteen) McCarthy, for their roles as essential caregivers to Rita during these difficult months.
Due to COVID regulations, there will be a small private family funeral taking place on Saturday June 5th, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. please copy and paste link into browser for the livestream of the service for Rita Antonacci https://youtu.be/h7_XnyVUIHU

If you are so inclined, a donation in Rita’s memory to William Osler Health System (williamoslerhs.ca) to honour the skilled and compassionate medical heroes would be appreciated.