Rita M. (Drinkwater) Centrella, age 89, of Medford passed away on Tuesday, December 14th. Born in Medford, she was the daughter of the late John and Grace (Petrillo) Drinkwater. Rita spent many years in Somerville before returning to Medford in 1966. She loved to cook, knit, and watch her grandchildren compete in sports. In her spare time Rita also enjoyed reading and doing word searches.
Rita was the beloved wife of the late Joseph P. Centrella, and the devoted mother of Joseph P. Centrella Jr. and his wife Donna of Burlington, and Stephen Centrella and his wife Mary of Rutland. She was the loving grandmother of Rachel Moran and her husband Bobby, Joey Centrella, Ashlee Reed and her husband Brett, and Jessica Kent and her husband Tim. Rita was the loving great grandmother of Emerson And Lucas. She was predeceased by her brothers Frank and Bill Drinkwater, and is survived by loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Tuesday, December 21st at 8:30 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High St., Medford, at 9:30 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, December 20th from 4 through 7 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.