Rita J. Silvestrini

She was born on Nov. 4, 1929, in Virginia, Minn., the daughter of the late Ventura and Giselda (Nocerini) Giovagnoli. She attended the Virginia Schools, graduating from Roosevelt High School with the Class of 1947. She then attended Virginia Junior College, graduating in 1949.

Rita worked in Chicago before her marriage to Nello Silvestrini on May 21, 1955, in Virginia. The couple made their home in Iron River, where Rita worked with her husband in the family business, “Riverside Bar and Pizzeria,” for many years until retiring in December of 1988. The couple spent winters in Bradenton, after retiring. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2005 before Nello passed on Aug. 22 of that same year.

She was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church of Iron River, St. Agnes Altar Society, and the Iron River Country Club.

She enjoyed playing golf, was an avid bowler and loved watching and attending Green Bay Packers games.

Rita is survived by her sons, Dino (Dee) Silvestrini of Bradenton, and Ricci (Ann Wilson) Silvestrini of Des Moines, Iowa; daughter, Gisele “Gigi” (Terry) Dolan of Roswell, Ga.; grandchildren, Seamus, Sean, Conor, Dolan and Taylor Silvestrini; step-grandchildren, Peter and Amy Dolan.

Visitation will be 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30 at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River, followed by the service at 11 a.m.

Her son, Dino, will preside at the ceremony.

Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Westminster Foundation Point Pleasant Chapel Fund (www.WestminsterPointPleasantfl.org).

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Rita J. Silvestrini online at www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com.

Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.