Rita (Harrold) Janco

Rita E. Janco, age 85, of Colchester, formerly of Fairfield, passed away at home on November 16th. Born in Bronx, NY on May 13, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Edith Harrold along with eight other siblings. She married Robert "Bob" Janco, the love of her life,  on  August 20, 1955 and the couple raised seven children at their home in Fairfield,  They relocated to Colchester in 1988. They spent over 55 years in love together until Bob’s passing on April 26, 2011.  

While raising seven children she was a home maker and then worked as a book keeper. However, Rita’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Especially in her  later years, she relished the role of matriarch in the family.   She was an avid reader who loved the beach, spending as much time as possible in Misquamicut, RI.  In retirement, Bob and Rita spent several years traveling via mobile home to the Florida Keys, seeking bigger and better beaches to relax at with a good book.  A devoted woman of faith, she attended mass at St. Andrew Church, sitting in the front row. This faith enabled her to show strong sense of resilience that comforted those around her when life presented its toughest challenges.   

Rita will be sadly missed but always remembered with love by her children, Kenneth (Amy)Janco of Jewett City, Debra Andrysiak of Colchester, Jennifer (Troy) Johnson of Carthage, ME; eight grandchildren, Michelle (James) Stotler, Matthew Metz, Michael Janco Jr., Sabrina (Jay) Pallotti, Paige Matheson, Nicholas Janco, Jack Matheson;  great-grandchildren, Jimmer Stotler, Gia Pallotti, Charlotte Eleanor Stotler (named after her GG);  goddaughter, Kathleen Harrold; and best friend Linda Heller along with numerous extended family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, siblings and husband, Rita was predeceased by four beloved sons, Mark, Michael, Steven and Keith, grandson, Jonathan Janco; and most recently son in law John Andrysiak.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, November 21st from 4-6pm at the Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd. Colchester. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, November 22nd at 10:30am directly at St. Andrew Church 128 Norwich Ave. Colchester. Burial will be held privately.

Donations in Rita’s memory can be made to the American Heart Association by visiting www.heart.org/donate 

For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.