Rita J. Silvestrini

Rita J. Silvestrini, age 89, formerly of Iron River, Michigan, passed away on August 9, 2019 in Bradenton, Florida.

She was born on November 4, 1929 in Virginia, Minnesota, the daughter of the late Ventura and Giselda (Nocerini) Giovagnoli. She attended the Virginia Schools, graduating from Roosevelt High School with the Class of 1947. She then attended Virginia Junior College, graduating in 1949.

Rita worked in Chicago, prior to her marriage to Nello Silvestrini on May 21, 1955 in Virginia, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Iron River, where Rita worked with her husband in the family business, “Riverside Bar and Pizzeria” for many years, until retiring in December of 1988. The couple spent winters in Bradenton, Florida after retiring. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2005 before Nello passed on August 22nd of that same year.

She was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church of Iron River, St. Agnes Altar Society, and the Iron River Country Club. She enjoyed playing golf, was an avid bowler and loved watching and attending Green Bay Packer games.

Rita is survived by her sons, Dino ( Dee) Silvestrini of Bradenton, Florida and Ricci (Ann Wilson) Silvestrini of Des Moines, Iowa; daughter, Gisele “Gigi” (Terry) Dolan of Roswell, Georgia; grandchildren, Seamus, Sean, Conor, Dolan, and Taylor Silvestrini; step-grandchildren, Peter and Amy Dolan.

Visitation will be held at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River on Friday, August 30th from 9:30 to 11 AM, followed by the service at 11 am. Her son, Dino, will preside at the ceremony. She will be laid to rest in Resthaven Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Westminster Foundation Point Pleasant Chapel Fund (www.WestminsterPointPleasantfl.org).

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Rita J. Silvestrini online at www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com