Mrs. Rita Bella, 81 lifelong Greenwich resident, passed away peacefully on March 4th, 2014. She was the daughter of Helen Timney and John Zachar of Byram, CT.
Rita attended schools in Greenwich, graduating from Greenwich High in 1950. In 1952, she married Ellwood Bella (deceased,) a Navy man who served on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Bennington. As a young mother, she was a decorated Boy Scouts Den Mother. As her sons grew, she played in Town Softball Leagues and was the Captain of the Greenwich chapter of the Women's International Bowling Congress for years. She was an avid skier and loved boating on Long Island Sound with her family.
She led a respected career in town – at Harris Insurance and at Mortimer and Mortimer (later William Pitt and Sotheby's) as a realtor. She loved the game of golf and never missed a chance to play with friends and colleagues.
Rita touched the lives of many with her genuine joy, generous spirit, wit and warm heart. She will be lovingly remembered by all who were lucky enough to know her. She enhanced our lives every moment we shared with her and she taught us how to love unconditionally. She will remain in our hearts forever. She will be laid to rest in Greenwich.
Rita is survived by her two sons Daniel Bella and Jeff Bella; her sister Patricia Connonlly and Rita's grandchildren Kyle Bella and Anna Victoria Bella.
The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Nathaniel Witherell Nursing Home in Greenwich for their commitment, care and support of Rita and many other town residents.
A memorial service will be held at Leo P. Gallagher and Son Funeral Home at 31 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT, this coming Friday, March 14th, 2014 from 4PM-6PM. To leave an online condolence please visit www.leopgallaghergreenwich.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 17, 2014
Kim Holbrook
Jeff
My condolences are with you.
Respectfully, Kim Holbrook
March 14, 2014
I was always in awe of her spirit and how freely she gave her love and time to others who needed a friend. Rita was kindness personified in all of her loving ways. I will always miss her. Love, Ulla
March 14, 2014
Brian McEvoy
Jeff I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.Sincerely my deepest condolences to you and your family.
March 14, 2014
Dan and Jeff and families: I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with your Mom at Griff Harris Agency and I will never forget her laugh - many good memories. Sincerely, Barbara Wilmink
March 14, 2014
Andrea Riis-Lewis
Pat and family - so sorry to hear of your sister Rita's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
March 14, 2014
I am deeply sorry for your loss. May God bless your family and grant you peace. (Num. 6:26)
March 14, 2014
Jeff, we're very sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She was a beautiful lady who will be missed by all who knew her. she is now in heaven with your wonderful father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Apples and Mike Harris
Jupiter, FL
March 14, 2014
Jeff so sorry to hear about your mom, all our prayers....kevin and brynn
March 14, 2014
So sorry to hear of Rita's passing. She and Ellwood were terrific friends and will be deeply missed. Gene and Renee McEvoy
March 13, 2014
Edward & Phyllis Kriskey
Sorry to hear of Rita's passing we go way back together as we lived in her parents house when first married she was sweet just like they were a real honor to have known her and her husband. Phyllis & Ed Kriskey
March 13, 2014
Michele (Longo) Kolc
So sad to hear of Rita's passing. I had the pleasure of working with her at Pitt mid-late 90's. I remember her fondly. She was an incredible person and I absolutely adored her. My deepest sympathy to her family. Will keep you in my prayers.
March 13, 2014
So sorry to hear of Ritas passing. She was such a wonderful person and a fun person. Our deepest sympathy to all of her family.
Marcelle and Richie Nickerson
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Funeral services provided by:
Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home - Greenwich31 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT 06830-6512
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