Rita M. Longo Tatz
Passed on October 3, 2023
Resident of Holbrook, MA
Rita M. (Longo) Tatz, 98, a resident of Holbrook for 66 years and formerly from the West End of Boston, died peacefully October 3, at her home following a long illness. She was the tenth child of the late Giovanni Longo and Marina (Martino) Longo, both born in Sicily, and the devoted wife of the late Dewey R. Tatz Jr.
She is survived by a loving son, Dennis Tatz of Braintree, a retired reporter for The Patriot Ledger, and two grandsons, Ryan and Evan Tatz, of Pompton Lakes, N. J. She was predeceased by her cherished daughter Jo Ann Tatz, and her siblings, Josie, Mary, Anna, Katie, Charlie, Tony, Joe, Salvatore and Sara.
Rita was very proud of her Sicilian heritage. Unfortunately, her father died when she was just five-years old. Growing up during the Depression in the West End, Rita was forced to quit school and work as a seamstress in factories to help support her widowed mother. Later in Holbrook, she worked from home altering clothes and making curtains and drapes for neighbors and friends. She was an avid cook and an excellent baker. From making fried dough for church bazaars to creating birthday and wedding cakes, her culinary talents were in much demand.
She enjoyed playing the lottery, bowling, dancing, watching soap operas, reading novels, and going to the Foxwoods Casino. She was a devoted Catholic attending St. Joseph’s Church. She sang in the choir for many years, was a member of the woman’s group the Josepheens, and devoted many hours donating her talents, skills, and baking for the church and priests.
Rita is also survived by many friends, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. She was especially close and had a special bond to her nieces Geraldine Ehrstein of Marshfield, Donna O’Connor of Abington, Michele Marshall of Lynn, and nephew, Joseph DiSanti of Westport, and her nieces and godchildren Ann Marie Defelice of Weymouth, Marie Thomas of Winthrop and godchild Jacquelyn Bonarrigo of Brockton.
Funeral from the Hurley Currie Funeral Home, 127 So. Franklin St., Holbrook on Friday, October 13 at 10:15am followed by a funeral mass at St. Joseph Church in Holbrook at 11am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, October 12th from 4-7pm. Interment Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave., Waltham, MA., 02451.
The Castiglia family is extremely sad to have lost our Great Aunt Rita. Among all her siblings, she was truly one of a kind. So many fond memories of visits to her home in Holbrook during summers, with fun in the pool (wow was that water cold) and lots of great food. We also had great visits with her in St. Petersburg, Florida during winters. But she always made sure to let us know she did not like the beach. Over the last five years, maybe more, I personally had a number of great telephone calls with her as we discussed past history of the Longo family, especially Anna (my grandmother) and her nieces Terry, Angie and Joanie. We also talked about her brothers Tony and Salvie who made great military sacrifices for our country. Salvie making the ultimate one. Auntie Rita's passing closes a family era. An era, hopefully, never forgotten.
To Dennis, Our deepest condolences and love.
Frank & Terry Castiglia
Kevin Castiglia
Maureen & Andrew Russ
Hello Dennis, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. She lived a long life. My Mom passed away also in Feb this year. I know my mother and your mom went way back in the West End and also my Aunt Gladys. I also know she was very fond of your mom too and always enjoyed talking with her. We were in the West End recently and my moms street North Anderson is no longer as of a few months ago. Judy and I wish you and your family our sincerest condolences.
God Bless
Bob and Judy A.
Dear Dennis and family,
I am just now finding out about Rita’s passing. I’m so sad to have learned the news too late to pay my final respects to a woman who will always hold such a special place in my heart. Rita was my Aunt RoRo’s (Rose Pierro’s) #1 – theirs was such a special bond that lasted until the very last day of my Aunt’s life. I will never forget Rita’s quick wit, sassy comebacks and on-the-point humor! She was truly one of a kind. I will be sure to visit her the next time I go to Blue Hill to see my dad (Rick) and my Aunt RoRo. Once again, I’m so sorry I couldn’t pay my respects to you in person.
Warmly,
Marisa Conte
Dennis, we are so so sorry to hear about the passing of your wonderful mother. She was a wonderful women and a great fried to my mother. Janet Lemack. She was a wonderful cook and I think of her every time I make sauce because she taught me. Take care