Rita Sidawi-Radici was born on November 1st, 1964 in Nazareth, Israel as the youngest child of John and Suraya Sidawi. She was raised in Nazareth and attended the Franciscan Sisters School, where she enjoyed playing sports and being a girl scout. At the age of nineteen, she moved to New Jersey with her parents; her brother, Tony; and her sister, Antoinette. In 1994, she married the love of her life, Richard Radici.They were lovingly married for 30 years and raised four beautiful children together – Francis, Antoinette, Richard Jr. and Gabriella.

Rita was an exemplary mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She had a warm, welcoming and vivacious spirit. She loved to laugh, dance and gather her loved ones together on weekends and holidays. She also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: watching a movie or playing Rummikub with her family, walking on the beach, playing tennis, tending to her garden, a cup of coffee on her porch and praying to God.

She was an active parishioner of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in Fairfield, NJ. She also delved into several work pursuits which included careers in travel, real estate and opening a Mediterranean café. Above all, her life was dedicated to her family, her loved ones, and her faith.

Rita passed away peacefully on July 27th , 2024, in her home in Montville, NJ surrounded by her family. Rita leaves behind her husband, Richard; her beloved children – Francis, Antoinette, Richard Jr., and Gabriella; her mother, Suraya; her brother Tony and sisters Susan and Antoinette; along with her cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless others who knew and loved her dearly. Rita was predeceased in death by her father, John Sidawi.