Rita (Como) Dance

WATERBURY - Mrs. Rita Catherine (Como) Dance, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at VITAS Hospice Care at St. Mary's Hospital after a brief illness complicated by the COVID-19 virus. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years Anthony F. Dance.

Rita Catherine was born June 11, 1947 in Waterbury, the daughter of the late C. Edward and Rita Catherine (Sheehan) Como. She was employed as an inspector for Bendix/Allied Signal and retired from that company after 40 years of service. She and her husband Tony were active members of the Waterbury ELKS Lodge No. 265 where she enjoyed having a drink and bowling. They were communicants of old St Margaret Parish. Rita graduated from Crosby High School class of 1967.

Rita is survived by her siblings, M/M Skender (Cynthia) Muharem of Middlebury, M/M Glenn (Kathleen) Holland of Cheshire, M/M Edward F (Anastacia) Como of Berlin, Ct. In addition, She is survived by her sister-in-law Mrs Clem (Loretta Dance) Pesesky, and numerous nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews and many cousins and close friends throughout the Waterbury area.

Rita was predeceased by her sister Karen Como Nolan and her sister-in-law M/M William (Lucille Dance) Ferrari as well as a special niece and nephew Jennifer Nolan and Ryan Nolan.

Arrangements -Due to COVID restrictions and social distancing there will be no calling hours and burial will be at the convenience of the family. The family will have a Mass celebrating her life at a future date when more people have been vaccinated and the social distancing restrictions on gatherings will be eased. We wish to thank the first responders, and nursing staff at St Mary’s Hospital for the care they provided Rita during this illness. In lieu of flowers we would ask that donations be made in Rita’s name to VITAS Innovative Hospice Care,199 Park Road Ext., Suite 102, Middlebury, CT 06762-1833. The Alderson-Ford Funeral home of Waterbury is assisting with arrangements.