Rita A. Michel, 79, of Gilboa, New York, formerly of Long Island, passed away peacefully at home on October 31, 2025. She was born July 1, 1946, in Queens, New York, to the late Thomas Charles LoPresti and Rita (née Willy) LoPresti.  She was raised in North Babylon, Long Island, where she graduated from North Babylon High School. While there, she was president of her sorority and voted “Wittiest” in her class. Throughout her life, Rita’s humor and warmth touched everyone who knew her. She was loving, kind, and endlessly caring. Her open, nonjudgmental nature made people feel comfortable and accepted. She had a gift for genuine connection and conversation that made her presence comforting and unforgettable.

Rita loved animals, the outdoors, and the natural world. She enjoyed camping, walking through the woods or on the beach, and snorkeling in the Caribbean with tropical fish.  She loved to sing, craft, cook, and entertain friends and family.  As a hostess, she made gatherings feel easy and welcoming, always wanting those around her to feel happy and included.

Rita spent more than forty years working for Waldbaum’s Supermarket on Long Island, where she served as a manager. Teaching and working with children were lifelong interests. Alongside her full-time career, she pursued studies in early childhood education at St. Joseph’s College. She demonstrated her passion for teaching while working with children and visitors at the Suffolk County Farm and at the Environmental Centers in Smithtown and Setauket, where she shared her knowledge of nature and animals.

After retiring, Rita completed coursework in Historical Studies at Empire State University and participated in a local writers’ group. Her thoughtfulness and creativity showed in everything she did, from the smallest detail in her writing to the way she cared for the people she loved. Rita prioritized others as a devoted wife, loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, and loyal friend. Her unforgettable spirit, beautiful smile, and sharp sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Rita was predeceased by her parents, her brother Thomas J. LoPresti, and her brother-in-law Thomas Michel. She is survived by her husband of thirty-eight years, Robert Michel; her sister Marcia Van Dyne; her children and their spouses, Ian Wismann (Lorraine) and Rita Boze (Mark); and her grandchildren, Jack, Grace, and Ian Joseph Wismann, Catherine (Sean) Elwood, and Braedon Boze. She also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, and beloved friends who will carry her memory in their hearts.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Decker Funeral Home with a service at 5:00 p.m., Deacon Michael McDonald officiating. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church, 5188 NY-23, Windham, Father Jay Atherton presiding.

Condolences may be left at www.deckerfh.com.