RITA CIANCETTA

Born on August 23, 1956, in Steubenville, Ohio, Rita was the daughter of the late Helen and Anthony Marut. She grew up in Steubenville alongside her siblings–Jocelyn (Michael Gale), Fr. Tom Marut, Rosemary (Samuel Ivkovich), the late Theresa (Jim Orenchuk) and John, and her brother- and sister-in-law, Cindy and David Szydlowski, who were like siblings to her. Rita graduated from Steubenville Catholic Central High School in 1974, forming friendships that stayed with her throughout her life.

In 1979, Rita married her high school sweetheart, Victor Brian Ciancetta, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and family. Together, they built a meaningful life in Columbus, Ohio. Rita worked outside the home in a variety of professional roles for many years before retiring to become a caregiver to her grandchildren. Victor, a devoted dentist and professor at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, passed away in 2015. After his passing, Rita carried forward their shared values with quiet strength, resilience, and grace. Steadfast in her faith, she remained committed to her church as a longtime member of St. Brendan Catholic Church in Hilliard, Ohio.

Rita and Victor raised two sons: Victor Anthony Ciancetta (Natalie) of Upper Arlington, Ohio, and Jonathon Alexander Ciancetta (Karen) of New York, New York. Rita was endlessly proud of her sons and found her greatest joy in being “Nana” to her five grandchildren: Cole, Frances, Clyde, Vinny, and Grace Ciancetta. To her family, she was simply “Mom” and, most dearly, “Nana,” roles she embraced with boundless love, pride, and care. Nana was the person her grandchildren trusted most. She could pull a loose tooth, calm any fear, and make everything feel right.

Above all, Rita cherished time with her family. She found meaning in the ordinary rhythms of family life: shared meals, conversations and stories, and traditions, especially those centered around her grandchildren. Rita showed her love through her presence: steady, reliable, and unwavering.

Rita listened more than she spoke, and when she did speak, it was to encourage, reassure, or lighten the moment. Her laugh was unmistakable, quick to rise and lingering long after the conversation ended. She had a rare ability to notice and celebrate others. No accomplishment was too small to acknowledge, and no milestone passed without her heartfelt congratulations. Rita’s handwritten cards, notes, and messages were small works of art, treasured by all who received them.

She also had a lifelong love of television and film, effortlessly recalling memorable lines and filming locations with remarkable detail. Stories, scenes, and characters stayed with her, and she delighted in weaving them into everyday conversation, bringing humor and connection to even the simplest moments.

Rita will be remembered for her warmth, laughter, and a kindness and generosity that touched everyone she met. Her love lives on through her children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Mosti Funeral Home Sunset Chapel, 4435 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville, Ohio 43952. Additional visitation will be held Friday at the funeral home from 9:30-10:30am, funeral mass will follow at 11:00am at Triumph of the Cross (Holy Rosary Catholic Church), 280 Rosemont Ave, Steubenville, Ohio 43952. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to the St. Charles Preparatory School Endowment Fund. Rita remained deeply proud that both of her sons were shaped by their years at St. Charles, a place she held very close to her heart.

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