RICHFIELD SPRINGS-Rita Delores Murtha age 85 passed away peacefully on Saturday morning January 23, 2021 in The Grand Mohawk Valley Health Care Center. She was born on October 9, 1935 in Brooklyn, daughter of the late John and Angelina Guiliarmo Tararunio. Rita was raised in Brooklyn and was a graduate of All Saints Commercial High School. On February 4, 1956 she was united in marriage to John Patrick Murtha. They moved to the town of Columbia in 1997 coming from Nesconset, Long Island. Mr. Murtha preceded her in death on March 24, 2020 after sixty-four years of a loving and devoted union. Rita had a strong faith in God and was a member of the Richfield Springs Christian Women's. In her leisure time she found reading, puzzles and word search her relaxation. To her family the aroma of her cooking made mealtime always something to look forward to. She will always be remembered as a warm, caring and hopeful lady. She will be sadly missed by her many friends and family, especially her cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Surviving her are two daughters, Elaine Long of Cobleskill, Rita Mary "Rinky" Kyker of Denver, CO, five grandchildren, Shannon Ciriaco, Sean Long, Sheena James, Steven A. Kyker and Shane Long, fourteen great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents and husband John, she was preceded in death her daughter, Lori Anne Bookstaver along with several brothers and sisters.
Calling hours for Mrs. Murtha will be on Saturday from 2:00 until 3:00pm in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James Street; Richfield Springs. A funeral service will follow immediately after in the funeral home a 3:00pm. The Reverend Jay Hendersonwill officiate.
Interment in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville will be on Thursday, February 4th at 1:00 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 St. Hwy 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Calling Hours
Saturday, January 30, 2021
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home
40 West James St.
Richfield Springs, New York 13439
Funeral Service
Saturday, January 30, 2021
3:00 PM
J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home
40 West James St.
Richfield Springs, New York 13439