Beloved wife of Michael Matero Sr.; loving mother of Michael Matero Jr. and Christopher Matero; cherished daughter of the late William and Elizabeth Strimaitis; dearest sister of Julie and Marilyn; sister-in-law to Raymond Matero, Patty DeJohn and Claudette Matero; dear aunt of Marisa (husband Kevin), Carla (husband Mark), Vicki, Eddie, Debbie, Tesa, Kim and Jim; great aunt to Emily, Jacob, Aiden and Gianna; devoted friend to Joyce, Judy and many others.
Rita had a passion for cooking; always trying new recipes and loved to host family holidays and events. Her sauce and meatballs will be especially missed by the whole family. She loved travel (particularly to NY), crossword puzzles and classic movies. Rita never missed an occasion to dance, and loved the music of Jack Jones and Tony Bennett, and was a particular fan of Jazz musician Bill Evans. She even became a Cleveland sports fan over the years, mostly by necessity. Rita worked as a Treasurer for a manufacturing company in Cleveland for over 30 years. Her family and friends remember her as a kind, compassionate, generous, intelligent and loving woman. Rita will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Due to the current health concerns, a small private ceremony will be held. Contributions can be made in memory of Rita to the breast cancer and pancreatic cancer foundations listed below.
https://case.edu/cancer/research/research-labs/winter-lab
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Kim Emrich
My Dear Aunt Rita, may you rest in sweet peace. I will always remember your love, care and concern for me. When I visited you as a little girl, I always felt like I got the special treatment. One time you told me, that if you ever had a daughter, you would want her to be just like me. Those were special times, and your words made a big impact in my life. I really did feel special when I was around you, and I will cherish those times forever.
Some of my fondest memories were of you teaching Michael and me how to play songs on the piano. You were such an amazing musician, and my favorite piano piece of all time was the one that you wrote. I remember asking you all the time to play it for me. You would roll your eyes, sigh a big sigh, and then sit down. I would watch in awe and wonder as you transferred so much life and passion into that old Wurlitzer (and along with that memory, I see that amazing painting of the matador above the piano). I wanted to play the piano just like you. For fear that I would never hear that song ever again, a few years ago, I was able to get you play it for me while I recorded it. Before you sat down, you rolled your eyes, sighed that same sigh, and one more time, for me, played that beautiful and lovely tune. I could listen to it forever.
It was a privilege and honor growing up so closely next to your kids, my beloved cousins, Michael and Christopher. Everyday, our Grandma would dare to watch and take care of us, while we ran around, sometimes out of control, I’m sure. I think we gave her more than a few gray hairs. That part of my life, always memories of you being there, a significant part of my growing up. It was definitely a bright spot in my life.
I do also remember your great cooking, especially during holidays. I never thought I would ever like breaded veal. Boy I was wrong! Everything you made was delicious!
There were so many things about you that made me feel like when I grew up, I would want to be like you. Your musical talent and great taste in music and your ability to move so beautifully to the music. You were the ‘cool’ aunt, and I hoped that one day I would be a ‘cool’ aunt.
Thank you Aunt Rita, for enriching my life in so many ways! You will be surely missed, but live on vividly in my memory. Each time I think of you, I am honoring you. Thank you and much love.
Sydney Rodriguez
My name is Sydney Rodriguez a friend and colleague of Chris, even more a brother. What an outstanding tribute and recollection to Rita…Although I never met her, I just texted Chris, “with all the faults and things that are wrong with us, the best parts of us come from our mother’s.
Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences and keep safe, take care. And bring comfort to your family and I will pray for the Matero’s.
Lee Alexander
The Alexander family send their deepest condolences to Chris and the Matero family on the loss of Rita.
Debbie Sheffield
Some of my fondest memories include my Aunt Rita. The lazy days at the lake, the annual trips to the amusement park, the many family gatherings at her home or ours, will be forever etched in my mind. Her laugh, good humor, and smile will be missed. The monopoly games we played showed how feisty and what a defender she really was. I’m grateful she never stopped taking an interest in me and my family. Even as an adult with my own family we kept in touch. She is credited with giving me my very first job, watching my cousins, Chris and Michael which was no easy task! She was so talented at the piano and Her own music was the best! Maybe what I loved most is that she honored my grandmother to her very end. I have always loved my aunt Rita. She had gone through many trials in life. May she Rest In Peace. My family and I send sincerest condolences and prayers to Uncle Mike, and cousins, Michael and Chris.
Hans
Our sincere condolences. Lots of strength to the family.
Jon Hughes
Chris and family,
I just want to share my deep condolences for you and your family for your lose. From the write up, I wish I could have taken part in some of your mom’s great cooking. She was obviously a fighter and fought the good fight. I pray for her peace, but also for all those she leaves behind to celebrate her memory. Best wishes and many prayers! – Jon H.
Tom Malfi
Chris and family,
Thanks for sharing this small window of who your Mom was to the world. For those that knew her they were certainly blessed and for those of us that missed out we will live vicariously through your stories and memories.
The entire Malfi family is praying for you and your family. We wish you many great smiles from the memories and great opportunities to share in the great storeis left from your Mom’s legacy. Stay safe and strong.
Blessings, Malfi Family
Jesús Rojas
Chris and family,
Our most sincere and deepest condolences.
We will be praying for you and the family as well.
John McColl
Chris & Family,
Please accept my heart-felt condolences at this most difficult of times.
You are forever in my thoughts and in my prayers.
David Witek
To Chris and the Matero family –
My sincerest condolences on your loss and continued wishes for your family to find peace and fond memories on this Mother’s Day.
Shannon Klee
Dear Mike and Family:
We are so very sorry for your loss. We just found out the other day and were very sad that such a great person had passed. Rita was wonderful to work with and always had a smile on her face. We will miss her dearly. If there is anything we can do please give us a call. Rita’s Friends at Diskcopy.