Rita Smith of Sag Harbor died peacefully on October 30 at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care on Quiogue. She lived independently until her death at 98 years old.
She was born in the Dyker Heights section of Brooklyn, the only child of Pompilia Garbarini of Campi, Italy, and Augustino Carboni of New York City. She graduated from Bay Ridge High School.
After the death of her first husband, she married Jack Smith in 1971 and moved to Sag Harbor. She enjoyed Sag Harbor and her many new friends. She loved going to the Cormaria Retreat House, where she found quiet and solace. She was also active in Saint Andrew’s Church, the Columbiettes, the American Legion Auxiliary and Southampton Hospital, where she volunteered for 37 years.
The Smith-Mitchell family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of grief and love at her visitation and funeral Mass, family members said. “We very much appreciate your sympathy, cards, prayers, flowers and donations,” her family said. “She loved all of you.”
In her final years, she lived the way she wanted, they said, with the help of the community. The family extends special thanks to those who stopped in to visit, provided a meal, helped with repairs and drove her to social events and appointments, especially the hair salon. “It takes a village — the Sag Harbor village,” they said.
The family also wishes to recognize her McClain cousins, who they said provided a family circle of love and care.
She was predeceased by her first husband Kenneth Mitchell Sr.; her second husband John “Jack” Smith of Sag Harbor; her special friend, John Bechtel of Sag Harbor; and her cousin, Mary Balzarini McClain of Southampton. She is survived by her four sons, Ken Mutchell and Jeff Mitchell, both of New Jersey, Greg Mitchell of Tennessee and Dennis Smith of Arizona; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many cousins.
Staff Writer on Nov 13, 2023