Obituary of Rita M. Tomasulo

Born: Rita M. Tomasulo on September 24, 1925 in Brooklyn, NY. Died: November 13, 2014 in the Healthcare Center of the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY. Daughter of Daniel and Katherine Donofrio Tomasulo of Brooklyn, NY. She was received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on August 15, 1946 and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1953. Sister Rita faithfully lived the Mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany for over 65 years. Sister attended grade school at St. Peter�s from 1930-38 and received her high school education at Prospect Heights (formerly Girl�s Commercial High School) from 1938-42, both of Brooklyn, NY. Her first assignment after joining the Congregation was at St. Clare�s Hospital in New York City, where she trained and served as an X-ray, EKG and EEG technician for many years, before appointment as the Education Director for the School of Radiography there. Later, she pursued additional education in the field of Radiology at St. John�s University in Jamaica, NY followed by courses at Downstate Medical College (S.U.N.Y) in Brooklyn, NY, earning her B.S. in Radiologic Science and Technology and graduating Magnum Cum Laude in 1974. Over the next decade, Sr. Rita taught the program in Radiologic Technology at both the New York City Community College and the Tech School. In 1988, following many rewarding years of service in the field of Radiology and ready for a change, she accepted a secretarial position providing clerical support to the Principal at St. Michael High School in New York City, which also allowed her to enjoy interaction with the students, serving until her retirement in 2000. In 2007, Sr. Rita was warmly welcomed home by her sisters at the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY. Sr. Rita is predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her twin sister Elizabeth Hildner, nephews Carl Hildner, Brian Hildner, Kevin Hildner, as well as a niece Dorothy Zuncic and many grandnieces and grandnephews. A Wake Service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 17, 2014 in the Chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2014 in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, followed by burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, NY. The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York.