Rita M. Polletta Gassira, 95, of East Haven formerly of North Branford for many years, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 19th, 2023, at the Village at Mariner’s Point, East Haven with her family by her side.  She was the beloved wife of the late Nicholas Gassira.  Rita was born in New Haven on May 17th, 1927, and was the daughter of the late John and Caroline M. Fusco Polletta.  A graduate of Hillhouse High School, New Haven, Rita earned her Practical Nurse License from Griffin Hospital and a bachelor’s degree in Upper Intermediate Education from the former Southern Connecticut State College.  Rita had worked as a Staff Nurse at Griffin Hospital, Derby, a Rating Clerk for the former Security Insurance Company, New Haven, a supervisor at the former Zurich-American Insurance Company, North Haven, a Substitute Teacher for the North Branford and Branford School System and later ran the accounting department for Nicotra Wieler Investment MGT, New Haven until her retirement.  Mother of Sharon A. Gassira (David De Wallace) and David Gassira (Toni). Grandmother of Steven, Nicholas and Gianna Rose Gassira, and Michael Dunn.  Sister of Joseph Polletta and the late Edmund Polletta and Gloria D’Amato.  Also survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The visiting hours will be Wednesday morning, Feb. 22nd from 9:00 to 10:30 at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue.  A Mass of Christian burial will follow in St. Ambrose Parish at St. Augustine Church, 30 Caputo Road, North Branford at 11:00 AM.  Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.