Rita M. Calvetti

Rita M. Calvetti, 70, of Millsboro, Delaware, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Born in Wilmington on November 10, 1955 to Catherine Murphy, Rita was a graduate of Conrad High School.  

Rita will be dearly missed by her husband of 48 years, Dennis Calvetti; her son, Bryan Calvetti and wife, Emily; her beloved grandchildren, Wyatt and Isla Calvetti.  She is also survived by her brother, Ronald Lyons (Lisa); nieces, Heather and Brittney; nephews, Ronnie and Chris. Oh, can’t forget her furry sidekick, Rocky.

She was predeceased by parents, Catherine and William Lyons; brother, Billy Lyons; sister, Catherine Hitch; and nephew, Nicholas Hitch.

Rita was a sweet, caring, fun-loving wife, mother, aunt, Gigi, and friend to many people.  She was well-liked by everyone she met.  Her infectious smile and kind words made her easy to love and become friends with.

Rita was always prepared to join in on the fun whenever a favorite band or performer was scheduled to perform at local venues and clubs. She also loved to play trivia every Wednesday night with friends and neighbors at the Legion and exercising at her Zumba classes twice a week.

She and Dennis lived for the summer, spending time on their boat drifting in the current or anchored up at a popular sandbar to have a picnic lunch and an adult beverage or two. She also loved to attend neighborhood events at the pool or clubhouse at their awesome community in Long Neck, Delaware. She enjoyed DJing with Dennis at their community or just for friends and family events.

The biggest joy of her life was lovingly enjoying her beautiful grandchildren, Wyatt and Isla. She lived to spoil them with toys, games, and their favorite snacks. They showed her unconditional love and affection and were elated to see her when she and Poppy were around.  They spent many weekends at the beach house with Poppy and Gigi and couldn’t wait until the next weekend away. 

Family and friends are invited to visit at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 9th & DuPont Streets, Wilmington on Friday, July 10 from 8:30 - 10:15AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM, immediately followed by interment at Cathedral Cemetery, 2400 Lancaster Avenue, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rita may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, PO Box 5041, Boone, Iowa 50950-0041 (https://www.pancan.org).

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