Obituary of Laurita M. Griffo
Laurita "Rita" McMinn Griffo, age 87, of Geneseo passed away Friday August 23, 2019 at the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Mt. Morris, NY. She was predeceased by her son, Christopher Griffo, sister, Mary Louise Wilbur and brother, Laurence McMinn.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Joseph Griffo, children Amie (Bill) Alden of Groveland, Susan (Chris) Kelley of Pittsford, Matthew (Kathy MacCracken) Griffo of Geneseo, grandchildren, Brandy (Vin Hutnick) Alden, Kristina (Ben Rubinstein) Alden, Aaron (Laura) Kelley, Sara (Josh) Kelley-Crabtree, Rebekah (David) Herring, Elizabeth (Ryan) Brandt, 11 great grandchildren, brother, Bert (Donna) Alexander of Penn Yan, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rita was born on October 4, 1931 in Penn Yan, NY, the daughter of W. Wilson and Margaret Alexander McMinn. She started her education in the rural country school in Branchport and she graduated from the Penn Yan Academy. Rita then attended SUNY Geneseo where she graduated Phi Betta Kappa in 1952. She was a beloved and respected teacher at Mt Morris Central School where she originated the Flag Day tradition, which is still held to this day. Rita was the Executive Director for the Council of the Arts for many years. She had a very distinguished Republican political career on the local and state levels respectfully. Rita was a member and past President of the Association for the Preservation of Geneseo (APOG) and a member of St. Mary's Church in Geneseo. She was also known for her Easter Bunny cakes.
The family would like to express its sincere heartfelt appreciation to the staff at the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, especially the resident caretakers on the third floor memory unit.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2019 from 2-5 pm at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main St. in Geneseo. Her Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, September 2, 2019 at 10 am at St. Mary's Church, 4 Avon Rd. in Geneseo. Interment will be private, at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation (Activities Fund), 11 Murray Hill Dr., Mt. Morris, NY, 14510 or a charity of one's choice.