Rita C. Early nee Wagner, 84 of Point Pleasant Boro, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 15, 2018 surrounded by her children. Mrs. Early taught 7th grade for 26 years at Veteran's Memorial Middle School in Brick until retiring in 1994. She was a member of the National Education Association and the Brick Teacher's Education Association. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Retired Police and Firemen's Association in Brick.
Born and Raised in Jersey City, she lived in Brick before moving to Point Pleasant 23 years ago. Many years after graduating Dickinson H.S. in Jersey City, Rita went back to school while raising 5 children and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Kean University. Our treasured mother devoted herself to her children and grandchildren whom she loved unconditionally. Her generous, compassionate ways extended beyond her family to the many students she encountered through-out her career as a middle school teacher. Her pride and delight for her school family never diminished.
Rita enjoyed a very active social life reveling in Bingo, country western music, and being out among people. Our mother had a million dollar smile she was beautiful woman inside and out who was loved by all who knew her, she will be missed sorely.
She was predeceased by the love of her life, husband of 47 years, retired Capt. JCFD James P. Early; parents, Elmer and Charlotte Wagner; brother, Elmer "Buzz" Wagner; Sister, Joan Roe; and dear friend, Vinnie Pedalino.
Surviving are her daughter, Janet Strzalkowski and her husband, John of Brick, son, Capt.JCFD James P. Early, II and his wife, Mary Ann of Brick; daughters Joanne Early and her husband, Bob Crane of Tequesta, FL, Jerilyn McCabe and her husband, Bill of Brick, and Jeanann Early of Point Pleasant, who was her cherished nurse, with whom she resided; and 8 grandchildren, James and his wife, Melissa, Kaitlyn and her husband, Bryan, Joseph and his wife Katelyn, Joanne, Jordan, Jack, Jana, Jamie, and her furry pal Jake. A very special thank you from all of us to Mary Ellen, her daily companion.
Visiting will be on Monday from 4-8PM at the O'Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, 11:00 AM at St. Peter RC Church, Point Pleasant Beach. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Brielle. Donations may be made in her name to Jersey Shore Animal Shelter, 185 Brick Blvd., Brick, NJ 08723.