ALBANY – Rita Gecewicz, 85, of McKownville, died Sunday, January 3, 2010 at the Teresian House. Mrs. Gecewicz was born in the Bronx, but lived in Albany since 1946. She was an active member of Christ the King Church and also founded the Arbor Hill Lassie League, a girls softball league, serving as the first president of the league and as a team manager. Beginning in the 1960s, she was employed by Whitney’s Dept. Store, and then by the Mechanics Exchange Savings Bank. She was a member of the McKownville Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary and bowling team, and in retirement enjoyed traveling throughout the country with her husband Stan.
Mrs. Gecewicz is survived by her husband of 63 years, Stanley F. Gecewicz; her daughter Rosemary Frazier of Delmar; her son Michael Gecewicz (Barbara Frankel) of Albany; her grandchildren Thomas Frazier, Jr. (Jill), James Frazier (Kim), Marie Webb (Robert Spain), Laurie Haertel (Mike), Kerry Gecewicz (Scott Baggott), and Justin Gecewicz (Natalie); and by eight great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her two brothers and four sisters.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Infant of Prague Chapel of the Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, Wednesday morning at 11:00. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany on Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Teresian House Memorial Fund, 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12203. To leave a message of condolence for the family, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Patti (Gregory) Gadani
Though I have not seen Rita in 30+ years, I remember her fondly from when I started at the “me bank” back in 1974. To a young girl just starting out, she was always a friendly face in the morning. In the lunchroom we all enjoyed her stories & she always made us laugh. My sympathy to her husband Stan and all your family.
Jeff Lustick and Susan Rothchild
Mike and family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Please know that our thoughts are with you.
Jeff and Susan
Michael Novak
Dear Stan, Michael, and Rosemary,
My family lived across the street from you on Livingston Avenue in the 1950s-60s. I remember playing ball with Michael and that my sisters were friends of Rosemary’s. I also remember my mother working with Rita to form the Lassie League, which was a generous and beneficial activity for the girls. I am very sorry to hear of Rita’s passing, and even though I have not lived in Albany for the last 40 years, my thoughts are never far away from my hometown and the wonderful people who were our neighbors and friends there. May God bless you in your sorrow. Michael Novak, mgnovak@comcast.net.