Rita V. Weiss

Age 94, passed away with her family by her side on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Concordia at Rebecca Residence in Allison Park, PA. Rita was born on March 11, 1931, in Pittsburgh to the late Gregory and Irene Victoria Mazza. She married the love of her life and next-door neighbor on Ward St., Saul Martin Weiss. The couple were married 52 years before Saul’s passing in 2009. The love they shared created a legacy of six children, their spouses, and thirteen grandchildren.

A graduate of Cathedral High School in Oakland, Rita attended Duquesne University School of Music and McGrail School of Music. As a member of the Tuesday Musical Club, and church choirs at Saint Ursula’s in Allison Park, Madonna of Jerusalem in Sharpsburg and St. Joseph’s -Christ the King Parish in O’Hara Township, Rita’s combined her love of music and devotion to her faith, which lasted throughout her life.

Rita was an adopted “mom” to hundreds of children through her participation in Fox Chapel High School Choir Parent Booster Association. Her annual spaghetti dinners were legendary, and she remained a part of the organization well after her children graduated from high school. The annual Rita V. Weiss Award was named in honor of her dedication to the high school’s choir.

Rita touched the lives of so many through her amazing Italian cooking, unforgettable cakes and cookies, and the love that she extended to countless family and friends. Her wedding cakes were works of art. Like all Italian moms, she insisted that no one leave her table without a full belly. She never missed any of her children’s sporting events, performances, or academic tournaments. She was the loudest one cheering or clapping.

As a member of the Three Rivers Marine Corps Detachment 310, Rita, along with her husband, Saul devoted countless hours to honoring and caring for our veterans.

Rita has many friends, including her lifelong friend Starcy Penezic and her husband Pete. The two couples raised their families together and were unofficial “Aunts” and “Uncles” to each other’s children. Rita and Starcy had a unique bond, truly loved each other, and shared precious memories their entire lives. Upon seeing a big puffy cloud, Rita would always say that she and Starcy were going to sit on a cloud together when she died.

Rita was especially close to Cathy and Steve Picht, who were devoted friends and dearly loved. Rita also was a devoted friend to Bishop David Zubik and the late Cardinal John Wright, the first American Cardinal to the Vatican.

Rita most cherished her beloved husband, children, and her 13 grandchildren who she loved beyond measure. Rita instilled the love of music in her family and was so proud of the musical talent that continued with her children and grandchildren.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Gregory and Irene Rita Mazza, her beloved husband, Saul Martin Weiss, brother George (and Betty) Mazza. She leaves behind to continue her legacy six children, Richard Weiss (Kara), Gregory Weiss, Paul Weiss (Sandra), Lawrence Weiss (Susan), Victoria Kisslinger (Ben), Jeanine Holt (Jason) and her grandchildren, Bennett Weiss, Spencer Weiss, Michael Doyle (Clare), Joseph Weiss, Nicholas Weiss, Stephen Weiss, Kathryn Weiss, Michael Weiss, Julia Kisslinger, Nathaniel Kisslinger, James Kisslinger, Lucas Holt, and Jillian Holt. She also shared love for her many nephews and nieces.

Rita spent the last two years of her life with Concordia at Rebecca Residence in Allison Park, where she experienced dignity and love from a dedicated staff of caregivers. Her family is forever grateful to these kind and thoughtful people who exemplify the best of us.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 923 Saxonburg Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15223 on Thursday, May 15, 2025; 2pm-4pm, and 6pm-8pm.

A Mass to celebrate Rita’s life will be held at St. Joseph’s Church-Christ the King Parish, 342 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 12:30 pm. The family respectfully suggests donations be made in Rita’s name to Belle Voci Pittsburgh, bellevocipgh.com to honor her love of music or to Canine Companions, https://canine.org/ in honor of her love of dogs.