Vassallo, Rita Age 94, of St. Louis Park, went to heaven on October 12, 2021. Preceded in death by her father and mother, Felix and Gladys Paolucci, her husband, Vincent Vassallo. Survived by her children: Vincent, Rosemarie (Greg Zipoy), Robert (Judy), Joan (Bob DeYoung), Richard (Susie), Mary (Gene Patnode), Patti (Joe Ducosin); 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Rita grew up singing with her father in nightclubs in New York City. She attended St. Joseph's Catholic College for Women and trained at the Metropolitan Opera in NY. She was a secretary at NBC in NYC as well as a paralegal. Rita and Vincent were married in 1952 and raised seven children while pursuing an acting career. Rita performed at many venues, Bloomington Civic Theatre, MN State Theatre and Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, to name a few. She played the leading lady in all musicals: Mame, Gypsy, Hello Dolly, Sound of Music and Fiddler on the Roof, etc. She had parts in a few movies while in Hollywood, made many TV commercials and radio voice-overs. Her hobbies were knitting and playing tennis. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 20 at 11 am. Holy Family Catholic Church, 5900 W Lake St NE, St. Louis Park, MN 55416.

Published on October 17, 2021