Rita P. Kapatos

Peacefully surrounded by family, passed on, September 2nd 2016 at age 83.

Predeceased by her husband Constantine Kapatos, grandson Emmanuel, sister Tasia Hagopian.

Rita is survived by her sons, Nicolas (Margie) and Spiros (Effie) Kapatos; grandchildren, Diana (Thanasi), Kosta (Kathryn), Sofia, Andreas, Kosta and Mark; great grandchildren, Spiros, Vasili and Penelope; brother, Gerasimos (Daphni) Pollatos; sister, Georgia (George) Pollatos; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rita Kapatos was named Erato Pollatos when she was born in 1932. She emigrated to the United States in 1950 and soon after made it possible for her brother, sisters, and parents to come and live in the United States too.
She made Rochester her home in 1973 after living several years in Norfolk, Virginia; Athens, Greece; and Watkins Glen, New York where she raised her family with her husband.

Rita was a devote Greek Orthodox christian and dedicated her time to help establish the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit and volunteered at many Church functions and events. She served as President of the Philoptohos Society of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and also had served on its Parish Council.
She earned her Associates Degree in Food Service Administration from Monroe Community College while working two jobs. She worked for the University of Rochester and the Sisters of St. Joseph's Nursing Home and eventually for Mrs. Hermine Weil until her retirement.

Rita was a good conversationalist, knowledgeable in local events, politics, arts, and countless other topics. She was never shy to speak to a crowd. In 1963 she delivered a speech on television in support of Republican Presidential Candidate Barry Goldwater. Since then, she never hesitated to address a crowded room.
She loved her garden. She loved to cook and make preserves using the fresh produce from her garden or other gardeners and local farms. She enjoyed long walks around her neighborhood with her friends and missed her walks when the weather or her health made it difficult for her to take those walks. She bargain hunted for antiques and collectibles at garage sales and became good at picking out the good stuff from the junk.
At the age of 70, she participated and finished first place for her age group at a 5K run in New Orleans. She loved keeping busy and helping people. In her quiet times she read books. She enjoyed reading the biographies of American historical figures and connected to novels about immigrants. Recently she explored novels written by Greek authors. Sometimes she would complain that she was reading too much that "her eyes were on fire."

Family will receive friends, Tuesday September 6th at 1pm at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 962 East Avenue, Rochester NY 14607 where her funeral mass will follow at 2pm.

Interment Mt Hope Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Rita's name to the church.