It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Castellani Cook, who left us peacefully in her home in Vineland, NJ on Sunday, November, 23rd, 2025.

Rita was born in Peckville, Pennsylvania to Joseph and Josephine Castellani on June 1, 1934.  As a young child, she lived with her family in Scheggia, Italy, her parents' home town.  In 1938, Rita and her family returned to the United States and settled in Richland, New Jersey, where she grew up with her sisters, Lena and Val, on their family farm.  Rita graduated from Vineland High School in 1952.  She married her high school sweetheart, Kemp Cook, on February 21, 1954, a loving marriage that lasted more than 71 years.  After high school, Rita worked as a bank teller and later managed the family business established by her husband.

Rita was a woman whose life was defined by joy, devotion, and a heart that never stopped giving.  She was a faithful member of Trinity Bible Church and touched many lives through her acts of service. Rita's greatest pleasure was spending time with her family. Whether strolling down Main Street in Disney World on family vacations or sharing cups of coffee on the porch of her house in Beach Haven, New Jersey, she created memories our family will treasure forever. She adored watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, celebrating each milestone with pride, delight, and a loving presence that made everyone feel treasured.

At home, Rita expressed her love through cooking. Her meatballs, raviolis, and her famous trays of cookies brought family around the table and filled the house with comfort. Her dishes were more than food; they were expressions of love, and she will be remembered with every recipe passed down.

Rita is predeceased by her parents and her sister, Lena Spinosi. She is survived by her husband, Kemp Cook; sister Velia (Val) Meizinger; daughter Debra Spencer (Donald); granddaughters Lauren Gayeski (David) and Kara Reymann (Gregory); and great grandchildren Jackson Gayeski, Carter Gayeski, Sawyer Gayeski, Lukas Reymann and Annabel Reymann.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home 1024 E. Landis Ave. Vineland, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 am followed by a service at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Siloam Cemetery, Vineland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Rita's honor to Trinity Bible Church at 3025 S. Lincoln Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08361.

Arrangements are by the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.