Rita Ferkler

Obituary of Rita Ferkler

Rita Ferkler, 69, passed away on September 15, 2022. She was born on March 4, 1953, in Philadelphia, PA to Michael and Michelina DeGirolamo, who emigrated from Vasto, Italy.

Rita grew up in the 49th street neighborhood of West Philadelphia and graduated from West Catholic Girls School in 1972. She married her husband, Joseph Ferkler in 1975 and had 2 sons, Michael and Mark. Rita and Joe raised their family in Broomall, PA and Rita worked for Mainline Healthcare for 37 years as an Administrative Assistant, until retiring to Venice, FL in 2018. Rita also touched many lives working as a caregiver for several private clients over the years, who also grew to love her as family.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Rita. She loved an evening with family and friends, good food, and a glass of wine in hand. Rita enjoyed sunsets with her twin sister and best friend, Rosa. She always kept busy with riding her bike, gardening, cooking, bird watching, and going to the beach (especially to attend the Nokomis Drum Circle). Rita was an animal lover, and always went out of her way to snuggle or pet any furry creature who crossed her path. But spending time with her grandchildren was her favorite pastime.

She loved living in Venice and being close to the beach. She had an uncanny ability to find happiness in any activity. Her pleasant, energetic, hilarious personality was contagious to everyone she met, and her generous and warm spirit will never be forgotten.

She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, nonna, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Rita is predeceased by her parents Michael and Michelina DeGirolamo.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Joseph Ferkler, sons Michael (Maggie) Ferkler and Mark (Melissa) Ferkler, grandchildren Millie Mae Ferkler and Max William Ferkler, sister Rosa (Phillip) Marchesani, brothers Carmen and Joseph DeGirolamo, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family.

A memorial service will be held at Farley Funeral Home, 265 South Nokomis Avenue, Venice, FL 34285, on Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 3pm – 5pm. A Celebration of Life will take place in Delaware County, PA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida. https://wildlifeswfl.org/

Saturday
24
September

Memorial Service

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday, September 24, 2022
Farley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Venice
265 S. Nokomis Ave.
Venice, Florida, United States
9414882291
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