Rita (Sementelli) Pesaturo of Melrose passed peacefully on December 7, 2020. A graveside service will be held at the Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose on Friday, December 11th at 11AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Rita was married to Edio R Pesaturo of East Boston and loving mother of Paul E. Pesaturo & his wife Terry, Michael S. Pesaturo & his wife Ann, Peter J. Pesaturo & his wife Gina, Janet A. Pesaturo-Zak & her husband Robert and James A. Pesaturo & his wife Ivette. Rita was born and raised in Newton with her parents Rocco and Maria (Proia) Sementilli of Italy and was the caring sister of Rocco, Richard, Doris, Albert, Florence, George, and Norman. Rita was loved by her grandchildren Andrea, Jessica, Thomas, Jonathan, Anthony, Lisa, Angela, Rocco, Alison, Steven, Christine, Jessica, Jocelyn, and Caitlin and her great grandchildren Alexandra "Lexi", Margo, Jack, Colby, Jayda, Maryella, James, Jayna and Liam. She is also survived by a tremendous family of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Rita had a great life having worked for Raytheon Corporation in her younger days and, after raising her family, with Kelly Services. Rita enjoyed working with people and staying busy. Throughout her life, Rita was an artist and patron of the arts. She took drawing and painting courses most of her life at the Museum of Fine Arts. She was a long-time member at the MFA and a regular visitor to all the major exhibits. In later years she would paint with her friends at the Milano Senior Center. Rita was a fabulous cook as anyone who knows her can attest. The Pizzagaina Rita and Edio made together every year at Easter, was a recipe they improved over the years to absolute perfection!! Her tomato sauce although an everyday regular meal was as good as it gets. One of the first things Rita would do when anyone came by the house was offer them something to eat. You could get a great meal anytime. The house and yard were always open, and the neighborhood was almost one of a kind. Rita was part of Americas Greatest Generation and back in the day when everyone knew everyone. Whether you called her Rita, Ma, Auntie Rita, or Mrs. Pesaturo, everyone was like family. It's a sad day to lose her but a day that is filled with great memories because of Rita. We will miss you. Memorial contributions may be made to The Museum of Fine Arts MFA Fund in Memory of Rita Pesaturo.