Recognizing the Life of Rita Lentz of Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania

Floor Speech

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Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of an extraordinary constituent from my district, Rita Lentz (nee Porfirio) of Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, who passed away at the age of 86 on January 12, 2024. Rita was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 17, 1937 but grew up and was a lifelong resident in Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania where she would spend the next 80 plus years growing up and raising her family becoming a beacon of joy in our community.

Rita graduated from Bristol High School in 1955 and went on to marry the love of her life, United States Navy World War II Veteran Philip Lentz on October 3, 1970. A proud Italian American, Rita was bilingual and became a dual citizen of Italy in November of 2010. This was a culmination of frequent trips she and Philip made to Italy to enjoy her culture and an excellent glass of vino in the village of Roccacvivara.

Rita was a dedicated member of St. Ann Church and her faith inspired a life of service to our community. In addition to volunteering at church events, she and her husband were active members of the local Moose Lodge and VFW. She worked tirelessly throughout her beloved borough assisting countless people with care and transportation.

Rita also gave her time to serve as the judge of elections in the East Ward of Bristol Borough for many years. Some of Rita's most meaningful interactions were as a secretary at Warren Snyder School. She was fondly referred to as ``Miss Rita'' and worked to instill the same love and respect in the students that she gave to everyone around her.

Our community mourns Rita's passing but celebrates the legacy of her life. She will be missed by us all, especially her son Joseph, daughters Maria and Darlene, her sons-in-law Philip and Carl, and her grandchildren Philip and Daniel.

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