Rita Salerno, 68, of Wellsboro, passed away, Monday January 13, 2025, at UPMC-Wellsboro.  She was born on September 15, 1956, in Bronx, NY, the daughter of the late, Nicholas and Bruna (Ambrosi) LaMantia.  She married Robert R. Salerno on March 10, 2007. 

Rita was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary, Mansfield, the American Legion Post 49 Auxiliary Vets Club, Troy, the Wellsboro Social Club, and loved her dog, Buddy.

In addition to her husband, Rita is survived by step-children: Robert (Sophia) Salerno, Jr. of Stanford, CT; Alaina Salerno of Bronx, NY; and Anna Marie Salerno of Huntington Station, Long Island, NY; a brother, Nicholas (Paul) LaMantia of Canton; sisters: Jeanette Tracey of California; and Linda Morreale of Winchester County, NY; a grandson, Daniel Tracey, and a step granddaughter, Sophia Grace Salerno.  In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by a daughter, Lisa Grillo.

A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 47 Central Ave., Wellsboro.  A celebration of life for Rita will be held, Saturday, February 8, 2025, starting at 2:00pm at the Wellsboro Social Club, 127 Kelsey St., Wellsboro.  Rita’s arrangements are in the care of Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home,139 Main Street Wellsboro.  To share a memory or condolence with his family, visit www.tusseymosher.com.