Obituary for Rita Kane
Rita Ann (Conforti) Kane of Pittsfield died on Friday, March 29, 2024 surrounded by her family at her daughter's home in Westfield, MA. Rita was born in Revere, MA, the daughter of Angelina and Anthony Conforti, and grew up in Revere, Malden, and Everett, MA. She worked as a coast watcher during World War II, was a graduate of Malden High School, and attended Northeastern University before working in Boston for the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company as a statistical supervisor. In 1957, she married Carroll Kane of Alliance, NE, and after living briefly in Braintree, MA, they moved to Pittsfield in 1959.
In Pittsfield, Rita started Kane Realty and grew the business until she had her 2 children. Once her children were older, Rita worked for many years as a buyer at The Garden and Gift Center, supervising holiday decorations for many area businesses. A devoted citizen of Pittsfield, she was involved in many civic organizations including the Order Sons of Italy Lodge #564, where she served as president and a member of the Realty Trust. Rita also was a member of Zonta International, Civitan, the Pittsfield Italian-American Club, CIAO, and the Red Hat Society. Rita volunteered at Ventfort Hall, The Mount, Berkshire Historical Society, Berkshire Medical Center, and the St. Joseph Rosary Society.
Rita was the first woman Justice of the Peace in Berkshire County and performed over 400 wedding ceremonies, many at her home where she would often host a champagne toast and appetizers for the newlyweds. Rita was also a Notary Public.
Rita was the "cruise director" of her friend group where she planned many activities, dinner parties, casino trips, plays and road trips to places such as Las Vegas, Lake George and a cruise on an Italian cruise line. She was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church.
Most importantly, Rita enjoyed life by making others happy. She will be remembered most for her unselfish desire to help and care for others. She dedicated her life to her family and friends. Her giving and loving spirit and her always present smile will be missed and remembered by all.
Rita is survived by her 2 children, John Kane of Brookeville, MD., and his wife Dorothy and Angela Burke of Westfield and her husband John. She is also survived by her five treasured grandchildren Rachel Waldron of Rockville, MD, and her husband Stephen, Samuel Burke of Arlington, MA, and his wife Nora; Grace Kane of Brookeville, MD, Sara Burke of Medford, MA, and David Kane of Brookeville, MD; and a great-granddaughter Claire Burke of Arlington.
Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband of 63 years, Carroll F. Kane, and three siblings, Joseph Conforti, Orlando "Sonny" Conforti, and Jean Conforti.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Relatives and friends may call at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield, MA, on SATURDAY, April 13, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's Church at 12 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Civitan of the Berkshires in care of the funeral home.
In Pittsfield, Rita started Kane Realty and grew the business until she had her 2 children. Once her children were older, Rita worked for many years as a buyer at The Garden and Gift Center, supervising holiday decorations for many area businesses. A devoted citizen of Pittsfield, she was involved in many civic organizations including the Order Sons of Italy Lodge #564, where she served as president and a member of the Realty Trust. Rita also was a member of Zonta International, Civitan, the Pittsfield Italian-American Club, CIAO, and the Red Hat Society. Rita volunteered at Ventfort Hall, The Mount, Berkshire Historical Society, Berkshire Medical Center, and the St. Joseph Rosary Society.
Rita was the first woman Justice of the Peace in Berkshire County and performed over 400 wedding ceremonies, many at her home where she would often host a champagne toast and appetizers for the newlyweds. Rita was also a Notary Public.
Rita was the "cruise director" of her friend group where she planned many activities, dinner parties, casino trips, plays and road trips to places such as Las Vegas, Lake George and a cruise on an Italian cruise line. She was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church.
Most importantly, Rita enjoyed life by making others happy. She will be remembered most for her unselfish desire to help and care for others. She dedicated her life to her family and friends. Her giving and loving spirit and her always present smile will be missed and remembered by all.
Rita is survived by her 2 children, John Kane of Brookeville, MD., and his wife Dorothy and Angela Burke of Westfield and her husband John. She is also survived by her five treasured grandchildren Rachel Waldron of Rockville, MD, and her husband Stephen, Samuel Burke of Arlington, MA, and his wife Nora; Grace Kane of Brookeville, MD, Sara Burke of Medford, MA, and David Kane of Brookeville, MD; and a great-granddaughter Claire Burke of Arlington.
Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband of 63 years, Carroll F. Kane, and three siblings, Joseph Conforti, Orlando "Sonny" Conforti, and Jean Conforti.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Relatives and friends may call at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield, MA, on SATURDAY, April 13, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's Church at 12 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Civitan of the Berkshires in care of the funeral home.