Rita J. Funicelli

Rita J. Funicelli, 91, Dean, died Saturday. She was born in Ashville, daughter of the late Harvey and Maude (Ivory) Sutton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; nine brothers; and four sisters. Surviving are children: Robert Funicelli, Randy Funicelli and Karen Smithmyer, with whom she resided; grandchildren: Kathleen Funicelli, Zachary and Anthony Smithmyer; sister, Margie Cuomo. Friends will be received from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral Mass on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 159 Hickory St., Ashville. Arrangements are by Gibbons Funeral Home, Ashville.