Rita Rose (Giovino) Pettito passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 26, 2021 at Genesis of Wakefield Center. She was born in Stoneham on May 20, 1939 to the late James & Lillian (Duarte) Giovino. She was raised in Melrose, was a longtime Melrose resident and later moved to Wakefield. She spent her most recent years living in Winthrop by the ocean. After graduating from Nazareth Academy in Wakefield and from Mount Ida Junior College in Newton, she then pursued a career in fashion and modeling for many years. Rita was a model for the Hart Model Agency and then taught for many years at John Robert Powers School of Design in the Boston area. She also attended the Forsythe School of Dental Hygiene and worked briefly for her brother Joseph. Rita enjoyed the peace and serenity of the ocean while summering on Cape Cod, walking the beach in Winthrop, and visiting with her sister Judy in Delray Beach, Florida. Rita had a flair for fashion and lit up any room she walked in. She was very inquisitive, caring and compassionate to everyone she met. She was extremely generous and always extended herself to family and strangers. Everyone has a very special memory of Rita in their life! Rita was the devoted mother of James D. Pettito & his partner Melissa Reid. Loving sister of Dr. Joseph J. Giovino and his wife Barbara of Stoneham, Judith A. Giovino of Delray Beach, FL, Diane F. Bena & her late husband John of Stoneham and the late Ella Alfano & her late husband Dr. Louis F. Alfano. Rita was devoted to her loving nieces & nephews Susan, Frank, Betsy, Louis, David & Mary. She was also survived by numerous caring grand nieces and grand nephews. Due to Covid 19 visitation, Funeral Mass and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Rita's name to Catholic Charities of Boston, 275 West Broadway, Boston, MA 02127.