Rita Munnelly Dennin Obituary
Rita Munnelly Dennin, age 85, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026. She was born in Stamford, Connecticut to Bridget (Leonard) and Robert Munnelly. She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Lawrence P. Dennin, Jr.; her loving daughter and son-in-law, Amy and William Kolb; and her cherished grandchildren, Alexander, Christopher, Kaitlin, and Nicholas Kolb.
Rita graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Stamford, Connecticut, and from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven. She worked as a medical librarian at Norwalk Hospital, and later served as President of the Norwalk Hospital Women's Board and as a member of the hospital's Board of Trustees. For many years, she volunteered weekly at Treasure House, a thrift store supporting the hospital's mission. As a longtime resident of Norwalk, she participated in many community activities and was an active member of The Shore and Country Club and St. Matthew Church before moving with her husband to Holliston, Massachusetts to be close to her daughter and family.
Rita's greatest joy was her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother who played an active and meaningful role in her grandchildren's lives. She delighted in attending their activities, celebrating holidays, and sharing family trips. She had close relationships with her five siblings, the late Robert Munnelly, Laurie Johnson, the late June Falcone, Kevin (Miriam) Munnelly, and Eileen Skruck, and enjoyed keeping up with the news of her many nieces and nephews.
Rita was an avid reader, often finishing multiple books in a week, and she loved baking for her grandchildren and attending the theater. Deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, she attended daily Mass whenever possible. Her optimism and gift for seeing the good in others and in every situation brought happiness to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Matthew Church, in Norwalk, Connecticut, on Friday, May 15 at 10 a.m. Visitation with the family will take place at the church from 9:30 to 10 a.m. prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rita's name to The Missionary Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Holliston, Massachusetts.
