Rita Walling

Rita Marie Walling

April 10, 1937 – February 7, 2024

Rita Walling passed away the morning of February 7, 2024.  She was 86 years old.

Rita was born on April 10, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York. She was born to Peter O’Rourke and Rita Maria O’Rourke. She was the middle child of three, and is survived by her sister, Patricia Bostwick.  

Rita was married to Frederick L. Walling on June 27, 1959. Rita and Fred celebrated 64 years of marriage in 2023.  They met at a Rockville Centre parish dance.  They first resided in Fort Lee, New Jersey and spent the rest of their lives living on Long Island in Merrick, Smithtown, Riverhead and Lake Grove. 

Rita is survived by her daughter Mary and Michel Pinga, her son Peter and Debra Walling, her son Kevin and Denise Walling and her son Fred Walling.  Fred and Rita were blessed to have ten grandchildren, Jennifer Pettit, Michael Walling, Dan Pinga, Matthew Walling, Zoe Walling, Luke Walling, Bryce Walling, Brooke Walling, Brody Walling and Bradyn Walling, and one great grandson, Owen Pettit. 

Rita was a great wife and mother.  Her vocation was her husband and family.  Rita served in the PTA, taught religion at St. Philiip and James Church, and was a den mother with the Cub Scouts.  She worked as the parish secretary for the Parish of the Holy Cross in Nesconset, NY.  She was a member of the Red Hats Society and the Columbiettes Organization.  Rita treasured spending time with her husband Fred, her sister Pat and brother-in-law Donald Bostwick.  She enjoyed socializing and playing mahjong and cards with her friends at Saddle Lakes and with her grandchildren.  

Rita Walling’s legacy will be known for her being a caringwife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt.  She believed in God.  Most of all, Rita was adevoted wife who deeply loved her husband, Fred.

She will be greatly missed. 

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