Rita R. Elliott

RITA ROSE (RUGGERIO) ELLIOTT, widow of the late Ross G. Elliott, Jr., departed for her heavenly home, on October 7, 2021 in the wee hours of the morning, at UConn-John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington. She was surrounded by her loving children. Mrs. Elliott was born in Bristol Connecticut on March 22, 1933 to Dominic and Raffaella (Macrina) Ruggerio. She was educated in Bristol public schools, graduating in 1949 from Bristol High School, at age 16, having skipped two grades. She went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Teachers’ College of Connecticut in 1953.
Mrs. Elliott was employed by Bristol Public Schools as a Kindergarten teacher for over three decades, leaving a legacy of love and education to several generations of Bristol children. She loved what she did and it showed. She loved her students and they loved her. Following her retirement, Rita continued to substitute teach in public and parochial schools in the area. Teaching meant the world to her.
Mrs. Elliott was a faithful member of Saint Matthew Church in Forestville, serving first, on their Parish Council, then as a lector and Eucharistic minister, and as a member of the Guild of the Blessed Sacrament. She loved her church and gave tirelessly to the life of the parish. She was awarded the Saint Joseph Archdiocesan Medal of Achievement in 2013. She was most proud of this honor. She also volunteered in the parish school. Rita was also a volunteer at the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, the Bristol Historical Society, and Bristol Hospital. She filled her hours helping others, which brought her great joy.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her husband and children were very important to her and she was always very involved in their lives at school, activities and she warmly welcomed all of their friends into her home.
Mrs. Elliott was a lifelong resident of Bristol until her move to Brookdale-The Gables in Farmington in September, 2018. She made many friends there during her stay and felt blessed to be a member of that community. Many called her the unofficial “Mayor” of Brookdale, as she was known by virtually everyone, and also brought new members to the community.
Rita loved people and people loved Rita! She will be missed by her three children, Ross, III (Rosalio Inojosa), Catherine (Dennis Yanavich) and Patricia (Matthew Malley). Also, by her grandchildren, Brayden (Owen Welsh) and Spencer; the great loves of her life. She also leaves her Brother, Colonel (Ret.) Dominic W. Ruggerio (Jacqueline McDonald) of Venice, Florida and several nieces and nephews, and countless friends!
In addition to her husband Ross G. Elliott, Jr., Rita was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Janice Ruggerio, brother-in-law Olcott V. Snow, sister-in-law Therese Snow, and cousin Kathleen Griffin.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 13 at 11:00 AM from the Church of Saint Matthew, with interment following at Saint Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. Calling hours will be Tuesday, October 12 from 4:00 PM to 7:00PM at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Avenue, Bristol, which is in charge of funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks your donations to Saint Matthew Church, or the charity of your choice. Please visit Rita’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com
The family wishes to heartily thank the administration and staff of Brookdale-The Gables for all their kindness to Rita and her family, as well as the nurses and staff of UConn-John Dempsey Hospital for their unparalleled care Rita, and for going above and beyond in caring for the family, as well. Finally, a great big hug of appreciation and thanks to Kathleen Prior, RN, Clinical Liaison, and the staff of Season’s Hospice and Palliative Care for being there for us during our most difficult days.

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