Rita Domanico

Rita DeSantis Domanico, 95, of Follansbee (formerly of Steubenville, OH) died peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Valley Hospice of Steubenville on April 10, 2022. She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Domanico; parents, Joseph and Rose DeSantis; two brothers, Michael and William DeSantis; sister, Marjorie DeSantis; sister-in-law Olga DeSantis; and two brothers-in-law, Frank Rocchio and Chuck Clark.

Rita is survived by her two daughters, Debra Fornsaglio (Karl Newman) and Donna (Phil) Capobianco, both of Follansbee; four grandchildren, Jodi (Brian) Golis, Chris (Brandi) Capobianco, Jamie Fornsaglio (Dave Hull), and Carrie Monseau; and eight great-grandchildren, Gavin and Roman Golis, Maggie and Naomi Hull, Bianca and Mason Monseau, Ava Capobianco, and Delila Powell.  Also surviving are her beloved sisters, Judy Rocchio, Carmy Clark, Deanna (Mike) Nodianos, and sisters-in-law Joanne DeSantis and Rita Mitchell Domanico.  In addition, Rita was preceded and is survived by many family members locally as well as from Niles, OH, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Rita graduated from Steubenville High School in 1944.  She was a member of St Anthony’s Catholic Church of Steubenville before becoming a member of Triumph of the Cross.  She was a quintessential Italian matriarch of a large family and was famous for her amazing spaghetti sauce and meatballs and for cooking for her family every Sunday.  Often wearing sunglasses inside, she welcomed all into her home with a gentle smile and open arms, and she sent them off with to-go containers filled with her delicious Italian food.  She also enjoyed playing cards, playing the slot machines with her sisters, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

Rita’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Valley Hospice of Steubenville for its warm and compassionate care.

Calling hours will be held Monday from 10 am until 12 pm at the Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel, 4435 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville. A funeral liturgy with Mass will follow at 12:30 pm at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Fr. Tom Nau will celebrate. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Offer condolences, www.mostifuneralhome.com