Obituary of Rita Leibowitz Kimmel
Salisbury, MD - Formerly of Kiamesha Lake, NY
Rita Leibowitz Kimmel, a resident of Salisbury, MD, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. She was 91 years young. The daughter of Isadore Leibowitz and Alice (Greenfield) Leibowitz, Rita was born on April 4, 1933, in the Bronx.
Rita graduated from Taft High School in 1951 and took several classes through Hunter College. During her adult life she lived in Rego Park, Monsey, Spring Valley, and ultimately settled in Kiamesha Lake for more than 30 years before moving to Salisbury, MD with her granddaughter, Liza, in 2018.
Rita had a long and impressive career as a bookkeeper for a variety of Sullivan County businesses including Bogner-Seitel Lumber Company, Patio Homes, The Concord Hotel, and Kaz’s Wines and Liquors. She took great pride in her work and was frequently regarded by her employers as incredibly sharp, dedicated, and the most organized person on staff.
In her free time, Rita was a voracious reader who was never far from her Kindle or a book, spending many an afternoon with a beloved pet curled up at her side while she read. A true Mahjong shark, she always welcomed new players to her table and enjoyed teaching them the game. But most of all, Rita loved to laugh and talk politics with her family and friends over a glass of wine or a filthy martini.
Rita is survived by her son, Daniel M. Kimmel, her daughter, Bonnie Kimmel MacEntee, her granddaughters, Liza MacEntee and Amanda Clarke (Jake), as well as her beloved nephews, David (Maria), and Gary Leibowitz, a wealth of extended family including many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and her beloved pets, Chase, Oliver, and Spot.
Rita was predeceased by her wonderful parents, her beloved brother, Arthur, her sweet chihuahua, Belle, and so many other adored pets who she loved and cared for throughout her life.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 16th, 2024, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home, 388 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701. A funeral service will begin at 1:00pm. Interment will immediately follow at the Brotherhood Cemetery, Thompson Road, Monticello.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Rita’s memory by registering to vote in time to vote Blue down the ballot this November. Memorial contributions can be made in her name to the Wicomico Humane Society in Salisbury, MD.
Arrangements are honorably entrusted to the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home - 845-794-7474 or www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.
