Rita Baeszler

Rita E. Baeszler
June, 27, 1927 – March 24, 2024

Rita E. Baeszler, a native and lifelong resident of Staten Island, Rita was born on June 27, 1927 to Rocco and Julia Lauria. She graduated St. John Villa High School in 1945. After graduating high school she joined the family business, Lauria Construction Company. Shortly after this, Rita met her future husband, Joe Baeszler at the 19 th hole at Silver Lake Golf Course. Rita and Joe had three children, Joey, Jane, and John.

Rita or Aunt Rita as everyone would call her even if there was no relation, was well known for her years as a school-aid at PS 45. She worked for 23 years at PS 45 and became a pillar of the community. She zipped many coats and tied lots of shoes and knew you or someone in your family. For the rest of her life, she would greet everyone with the famous line “how do I know you, PS 45?” When she retired from PS 45 it was to spend time with her grandchildren, Annie-Laurie, Molly and Patrick.

Rita loved spending her summers in Sea Girt, New Jersey, playing cards with her in- laws, spending time on her porch with neighbors and friends, baking and cooking, reminiscing about her time picking vegetables in Cooperstown during the war and dancing. Rita adored her three grandchildren and her great grandchildren, Ellie, Teddy and Nora.

Rita is survived by her son John Baeszler; grandchildren Annie-Laurie and Molly; great-grandchildren Ellie, Teddy and Nora; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.