Rita Ellen Marchiano

Rita Ellen Marchiano, age 85, of Wayne, PA, passed away peacefully at Paoli Hospital on February 19, 2025. Born on July 10, 1939, in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Rita was the daughter of the late John and Julia Herstek (née Fedor). 

The youngest of six, Rita grew up in Wilkes-Barre with her parents and her siblings, Mary, Anne, Betty, Jack and Dorothy. She attended St. Nicholas High School and after graduation acquired a job as a secretary with her local Democratic Committee County Chairman. After working a few years for different local government offices and attending night school at Wilkes College, she then moved to Washington D.C. While in Washington she obtained a job with the Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards and then with the Office of Congressional Relations within the U.S. Department of State. 

On August 7, 1965, she married John “Jack” Marchiano and the couple spent the next three decades moving across the country as Jack forged his career in finance. During this time, Jack and Rita were blessed with three daughters, Jill, Beth and Susan and Rita dedicated herself to her family, staying at home to raise their daughters and care for the household. After several years of being a full-time homemaker, Rita returned to the federal workforce in 1995 acquiring a position with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. For two years, she worked with the Organized Crime and Drug Division in New Haven, Connecticut and then upon moving to the Philadelphia area she served as secretary to the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia office. Following retirement, Rita remained active within her church attending various events and participating in different organizations. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends, going to the casino and was always up for a game of cards or Bunko. 

Rita was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She had a deep sense of faith and was well known for her integrity, resilience, and quiet determination. Her legacy of love, care, and selflessness will forever remain in our hearts and although she will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing that Rita is at peace. 

Rita is survived by her daughters Jill McWhirter (Tim), Beth Pugh (David), and Susan Laurence (Lawton); her grandchildren Ryan and Haley McWhirter, Abraham and Caroline Pugh, and Landon and Sophia Laurence; and multiple nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband John “Jack” Marchiano; her sisters, Mary Sockol, Anne Powell, Betty (Williams) Loftus, Dorothy Stewart and her brother John “Jack” Herstek.

Family and friends are invited to Rita's Visitation on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Isaac Jogues Church, 50 W. Walker Road, Wayne, PA 19087, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Interment Private. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rita’s name to St. Isaac Jogues Church, 50 W. Walker Rd., Wayne, PA 19087, stisaac.org, would be appreciated.