Rita "RiRi" Dominica Castagna DeAngelis, 86, of 19 Naples Ave died Sunday at Berkshire Medical Center.
She was born in Farnhams, MA on September 20, 1929 to Giovanni Castagna and Olivia Corato Castagna. As one of six children, she grew up helping with her family farm and attending local schools. Most of her professional life was spent providing excellent customer service at D&M Cleaners on Elm St. in Pittsfield, of which she enjoyed thoroughly. She was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church.
Rita and her late husband, Joseph "Papa Joe" DeAngelis who died in 2005, were married Feb. 9, 1952, at Mount Carmel Church and enjoyed 53 years of marriage.
In addition to her loving husband, Rita's predeceased siblings include her brother Mario Castagna and sisters Lena Wood and Mary Galvagni.
Rita is lovingly survived by her daughter, Susan R. Gagnon, with whom she resided and devoted son-in-law, David Gagnon; and her beloved grandchildren: Sheri and her husband, Tom Righi, and Shaun Laframboise and wife Allison; and great-grandchildren: Madison and Camden Righi and Kairos and Tayo Laframboise. Additionally, she is survived by a sister Rena Castagna; brother John Castagna and wife, Christina; sister-in-law, Louise Castagna; Bernie Laframboise; and several nieces, nephews and countless friends.
RiRi is most remembered for her loving and generous heart. Her unconditional love and gentle presence was a gift to everyone she met. She had many joys in life, especially dancing, walking, bowling, and playing games with her family. She loved to play basketball and ping pong with Madison and Camden, of which she'd sometimes win. She also loved picking up Kai from pre-school with her famous grilled cheese sandwiches, and babysitting her newest addition to the family, Tayo. She was a second mother to Sheri and Shaun, and adopted grandmother to Tom and Allison. RiRi enjoyed going to church, shopping and getting her hair done by her devoted daughter Susan, and loved Dave's home cooked meals.
Our RiRi- the most incredible, loving woman you'd ever have the pleasure to meet. We will forever keep you in our heart and soul.

Funeral Notice – The funeral for our beloved Rita D. "RiRi" Castagna Deangelis, who died Sunday November 15, 2015 will be Thursday, November 19, 2015 with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 12:00 Noon at St. Joseph Church celebrated by Rev. Geoffrey J. Deeker, Priest in
Residence. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours will be Wednesday, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the DERY FUNRAL HOME in Pittsfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation - www.bafound.org and to the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter http://www.sonsinianimalshelter.org/ in care of the Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield.