Rita R Kirk

Rita Rosalee Kirk (Noonan), 100, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025. She would have been 101 in May.

Born in Irvington, NJ in 1924, Rita lived in Florham Park, NJ for 65 years. She is survived by her devoted, loving husband, William (Bill) of 73 years this April.  They have lived in Chagrin Falls, OH for the past eight years.

Rita was preceded in death by her great-granddaughter Teagan Faith Smith, and her siblings Catherine Rafter (Edward), Thomas Noonan (Katherine Pfleger), and William Noonan (Jean Hoptay).

Rita leaves behind her six beloved children, Dennis, (David Benton), Nancy, (Thomas Kohr), Thomas (Kathleen King), Kathleen (Christopher Flocken), Kevin, (Andrea Stacy), and Peggy (Abbas Zand), fourteen cherished grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and her sister-in-law Alyce Noonan (Normoyle).

Rita graduated valedictorian from Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth, NJ and graduated summa cum laude from Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ where she met Bill. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong journey.

An active parishioner at Church of the Holy Family, Florham Park, Rita was President of the Rosary Society. She also enjoyed a women’s bowling league where she had great success. Rita loved sports and was an avid Yankee fan as well as NY Giants and Notre Dame. Rita was a legal assistant and volunteered for the Florham Park First Aid Squad, Meals on Wheels and also volunteered at Morristown Memorial Hospital. She was a humble servant of her community who never sought self-recognition for her active volunteerism.

Traveling around the world with friends was one of Rita and Bill’s favorite pastimes. They also loved playing Bonanza, which has become a family favorite as well.

Attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, graduations and presentations was a big priority and source of pride for Rita. She was also an incredible cook and was always opening her door to host family and friends.

She was sharp as a tack her whole life and enjoyed doing the daily New York Times crossword puzzles.

We had a wonderful celebration last May for Rita’s 100th where she was surrounded by her loving family, young and old.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Tuesday, March 18th from 9:30-10am.  A celebration of Rita’s life will be held with a Mass of Christian Burial at Church of the Holy Family in Florham Park on Tuesday, March 18th, at 10:30am, followed by a burial service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ. The Mass will be streamed live by visiting: https://holyfamilyfp.org/ and clicking on the online mass play button.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Rita’s memory to either Florham Park First Aid Squad or Holy Family Church, see donation box below.

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