Rita Troilo

Rita Troilo peacefully went to her Heavenly home January 2, 2026. She was born July 3, 1922, to the Late Mary (Lipovsky) Zambelli and Bernard Zambelli, and Step-Father Andrew Burdock. Rita then went on to Marry the Love of her life, Francis Troilo on 11-15-41 they celebrated their 68th Anniversary when Francis died shortly on 11/28/2009.

Rita was a Good and Faithful Servant of the Lord and devoted member of Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. She enjoyed life, travelling, gardening and playing cards. She was a very loving and caring person.

Graduate of Trenton Jr. College with a 3 yr. degree in Costume Designing, Tailoring and Millinery.

When they moved here in 1959 Rita and Francis became big Indians fans, they went to many games and followed all the games on TV. When Rita retired, she went to Mass and Swam every day at the YMCA until she was 94.

She worked in Auditing Department at Sears Roebuck and Company, retiring in 1982.

She was involved singing in Mother of Sorrows Church Choir. Was member of Ashtabula Choral Society, First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, Former member of Wayside Garen Club, having served as Treasurer and President. She volunteered at ACMC gift shop for 22 years and served as their secretary of the Auxiliary, also belonged to the Ladies Guild. She worked with her husband Francis on his many fundraising projects for Mother of Sorrows.

Her hobbies: extensive travel, swimming aqua size, music, water coloring exhibited her paintings at Ashtabula Art Center with other Artist, one took first place, Eucharistic Minister and Lector at Mother of Sorrows. Donated more than 5 gallons of blood at the blood bank.

Rita is survived by her children, Micheal Troilo, Francine and Bill Esposito, grandchildren Theresa and James Arnold, Lydia and Jon Horvath, great grandchildren, Joseph and Savita Arnold, Nathanial Arnold, Vincent Horvath and Andrew Horvath, great-great grandchild Oliver Arnold, and many nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved spouse, Francis A. Troilo, her parents, Mary and Bernard Zambelli, stepfather Andrew Burdock, Her sister Bernardine at 3 mo., and Bernardine and George Fraind.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Czup Funeral Home, 1329 Lake Ave., Ashtabula from 10:00-12:00.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church 1200 E. 21st Street, Ashtabula at 12:30.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  The funeral services will be live-streamed on the Our Lady of Peace Ashtabula Facebook page

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