Rita Mae (Panzarella) King

Our cherished Mother and Grandmother, Rita Mae Panzarella King, died May 27, 2025 surrounded by her loving family, at Geneva Center. She was 93.

Rita was born at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, December 23, 1931, to Mary and Vincent Panzarella. She attended St. Mary’s school and graduated from Harvey High School in 1949. Afterwards, she was employed at the Gail G. Grant Store. On May 5, 1951, she married her beloved husband, Don King, and together they raised five children who gave them eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Rita retired from Bank One (now Chase Bank) in 1981. She was a lover and follower of her Catholic faith and a founding member of St. Cyprian’s Church. Rita belonged to the VFW Auxiliary, Perry Senior Center, Perry Historical Society and was a Sustaining Member of the Christ Child Society.

Her husband Don, Parents and Siblings: Vince, Joe and Charlie Panzarella, Betty Downey and Santina Yager, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children: Donna (Tom) Anderson, David (Denise) King, Raymond (Priscilla) King, Michael (Tina) King and Don (Partner Sara Koopman) King, her grandchildren: Jason Babic, Jessica Babic, Christina Brass, Jeremy King, Kayla King, Jillian Shirer, Jordan King and Jenna King, ten great grandchildren and her brother-in-law, Harvey Yager.

Visiting hours will be May 30, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, Painesville. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father George Kusy at St. Cyprian’s Church, 4223 Middle Ridge Rd. in Perry, May 31 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Cyprian’s Rainy Day Fund or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Ave, Ashtabula, OH 44004. The family would like to thank her Hospice team for their support, love and the wonderful care of our mother and grandmother. We also appreciate the care given to her at Geneva Center and the support for our family, by the entire staff, during her final days.

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