Rita Ann Wisnieski Kugler OBITUARY

Rita Ann Wisnieski Kugler OBITUARY

Rita Ann Wisnieski Kugler passed away peacefully with her family at her side August 23, 2024, in Ocala FL.

Rita was born on August 1, 1929, in South Williamsport, PA, to Agatha Steinbacker Weigel and Lorenzo Perceval Weigel. She was the fourth of nine children. Her sister, Mary McMichael, New Haven, IN, survives her. Her brothers, Lorenzo, Earl, Richard, Joseph, Lee Weigel and sisters, Elaine Strain and Marie Ide, predeceased her.

As a young child, Rita and family moved to Trucksville, as her father took a position as a pressman for the Times Leader newspaper. She attended Kingston Twp. Schools. As a member of the Girl’s basketball team, she excelled as the team’s point guard. Her competitive, fiery spirit and team orientation resulted in winning seasons for the team.

She met Thomas Wisnieski following his return from WWII Naval Service. Their marriage produced two sons, Thomas and James. Thomas lives in Gainesville, FL, and is married to Cheryl Wisnieski. His children and their families comprise Kelly Hall from Sunderland, MD, her husband, Ray Hall and Rita’s great-grandchildren, Natalie, Taylor and Ben; Leigh Ciaccio, St Petersburg, FL, her husband, Chris Ciaccio and great-grandchildren, Brooke and Brynne; Nick Wisnieski, Moncks Corner, SC, and his wife, Elizabeth.

Jim and Connie Wisnieski live in Dallas, and Lecanto, FL. Jim has two sons. James Thomas (JT), and Paul. JT is married to Jodi and lives in Oxford, PA, with great-grandchild, Seth; Paul lives in Blakeslee.

Rita and Tom were wonderful parents and raised their boys with love, kindness, respect, honesty and compassion. Rita always made the grandchildren and great-grandchildren a priority and enjoyed watching them grow into wonderful, successful human beings.

Prior to her retirement, Rita managed the College Misericordia Bookstore and then worked at Offset Paperback.

Following her husband’s Tom’s death in 1989, she met Robert Kugler, and they were married in 1992. They enjoyed Big Band music and dancing. She and Bob were snowbirds with homes in Bradenton, FL, and Dallas. They had a wide circle of friends who they traveled with, danced with and generally enjoyed life together. Bob passed away in 2011.

Our family is deeply appreciative of the love, guidance and life’s examples set by Rita, Tom and Bob. We are truly blessed to have been a part of their lives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 9th, at 10 am from St. Therese’s Church, 64 Davis St., Shavertown. Rev. Joseph Pisaneschi will serve as officiant. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Wyoming. Friends may call Friday, November 8th, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Therese’s Church, 64 Davis Street, Shavertown, PA. 18708.

Rita Ann Wisnieski Kugler

August 23, 2024