NEWBURYPORT: Rita Battistine, 98 formerly of New York City, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2020 at Brigham Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was the sister of the late Frederick A. "Fred" Battistine, Sr.
Born in Haverhill on October 25, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Mario and Clemantina S. (Bagni) Battestine.
Rita was raised in Haverhill, graduated from Haverhill High School, and continued her education graduating from the University of New Hampshire. She was drawn to New York City and began a dynamic career in the heart of the fashion industry. Rita worked as human resource manager in the textile and design industry for Scalamandre Silks and American Hoechst Company. Her career afforded her the opportunity for extensive travel throughout the world, and her journey included the Silk Road in Asia, and passage on the Orient Express. Rita possessed an outgoing personality that garnered many friends who enjoyed listening to her travel stories. While travelling she generously opened her home to family members who came to enjoy living in the city.
Rita is survived by her nieces and nephews; Frederick A. "Rick" Battistine, Jr and wife Michele of Maine, Rias Harrington and husband Daniel of Newburyport, Matthew "Matt" Battistine and Diane Martinec of Seabrook Beach, and Andrea Kapp and husband Steven of Newburyport.
Arrangements by Dole, Childs & Shaw, 148 Main Street, Haverhill will be private. It was Rita's wish that she be returned to, and interred in New York City. Online condolence may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com