Rita M Daly

After almost 93 years of a life well-lived, Rita Birri Daly passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2026. Rita was born in New York City on April 2, 1933 to Cirillo Birri and Giovanna Ferdenzi Birri. 

She was predeceased by her husband James in 2007, and leaves behind her loving children Theresa, Patricia, Charles, Michael, and her special daughter, Joanne, and their spouses Patrick, Paul, Catherine, and Stacey whom she considered her children just the same.  She was the proud Nonna to her shining stars, her grandchildren, who brought her a lot of joy: Jessica, Samuel, Andrew, David, Andrew, Sarah, Theresa, Sean, Brendan, Benjamin, and Matthew. Additionally, she is survived by her brother John (Linda) and sister Rosemarie, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins both in America and Italy. 

At a time when women were not expected to go to college, Rita decided she wanted to be a teacher after encouragement from Sr. John Marie at Mother Cabrini High School. This led her to attend Hunter College for a Bachelor’s and Master's degree in Elementary Education. As a lifelong learner and teacher, this career would last many decades, finally retiring at the age of 84.  Rita often beamed as she retold stories of teaching at Church Street School in White Plains, NY.  She led dynamic lessons and thoroughly enjoyed her students.  During this time, she met Jim Daly at a New Year’s Eve party. They had a love that lasted 43 years. 

Through the years, Rita held various positions: full-time mother, at-home babysitter to teachers’ children, Hallmark distributor, Bergen Record newspaper deliverer, and finally a business owner and instructor of  Kumon Learning Centers. Rita partnered with her friend, Millie Portscher, to become the owner and instructor of Kumon Math and Reading Centers in Emerson, Montvale, and Upper Montclair, NJ, continuing her passion for helping children learn and grow.  Her position as an entrepreneur and business owner with Kumon led her on many adventures including trips to Tokyo, Aruba, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Toronto among others.  

Rita was a force of love, strength, integrity, and intelligence, and a fierce competitor in all pursuits!  Among her favorite games were rummy, briscola, Scrabble, Wordle, croquet, and badminton, although there wasn’t a game she didn’t enjoy.  Her grandchildren were often drawn into an innocent game, not realizing the competition they would face.   Her great pride and joy were her flourishing vegetable and flower gardens.  She spent countless hours nurturing them. She thoroughly enjoyed watching sporting events, especially the New York Yankees and the Giants. She frequently referred to herself as a “professional spectator”, whether it was her grandchildren’s activities or professional sports, Nonna cheered loudly and proudly!  Like many from her generation, she could stretch a dollar into 20. Even in her final days, surrounded by her family, Nonna was still offering financial advice to her grandchildren.

Rita was a person of strong faith.  Her faith carried her through every trial and allowed her to rejoice in every gift.  She leaves behind a large family blessed with her love, her strength, and her steadfast belief that everyone deserves to be loved for who they are. Though we will miss her laughter, her stories, and her fierce devotion, her love lives on in the lessons she taught, the gardens she tended, the games she played, and the faith she carried so gracefully. She has gone home in peace, and we will carry her with us—always.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Rita’s memory maybe made to The Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of the Rosary Dominican Convent 175 Route 340, Sparkill, NY 10976 sparkill.org  would be greatly appreciated. Please include “In memory of Rita Daly” in the memo line. Those who wish may also honor Rita by making a contribution to a charity of their choice. 

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