Rita Blanco, 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Sandy Hook on July 27.

Born October 16, 1934, in Peekskill, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Victor Varella and Mary Sabato Varella. Rita had a zest for life; she worked hard, loved hard, and played hard! On October 10, 1959, she married Louis “Lou” Blanco from New Rochelle, N.Y. In 1960, they settled in Eastchester, N.Y., where they raised their three children and remained for 47 years. In 2007, Rita and Lou relocated to Sandy Hook to be near family.

Rita was the owner of a successful real estate company, a politician, and a volunteer who served on many community boards. Despite her packed schedule, Rita always found time for her family and friends. Her children fondly recall how Rita would drop everything when they called, whether it was to go bowling, swimming, get ice cream, whatever! Rita and her husband Lou loved being together and their house was always filled with family, friends, laughter, and great food! Rita had a passion for dancing and many gatherings, large or small, turned into a dance party! Baseball was big in the Blanco family and the couple actively followed their two sons from Little League to MLB minor league. As Rita and Lou approached retirement, you often found them watching their grandson’s baseball games or at an NYRA track racing one of their thoroughbred horses. Rita will be greatly missed, and the family takes comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her loving husband.

Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband, Louis Blanco; sister, Gloria Larese, and her husband, Joseph Larese; brother, Victor (Sunny) Varella; sister-in-law, Dolores Varella; and several dear nieces and nephews.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Michele Blanco; son, John Blanco, and his wife, Amy; son, Louis Blanco, and his wife, Felice; grandsons John-Paul, Christopher, and Johnny Blanco; and granddaughters Danielle and Ella Blanco. She is also survived by her brother, Leonard Varella; sister-in-law, Vivian Varella; and many dear nieces/nephews and great-nieces/nephews.

Services at this time will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

We ask family and friends to do a dance in Rita’s honor!

For online condolences, visit honanfh.com.