KUCIC

RITA MAY (HREHOCIK)

Of Wilkins Township, born May 27, 1948, in McKeesport, PA, passed away at home after a brief illness surrounded by her loving family.

Rita is survived by her husband and soulmate, William L. Kucic. She was the cherished mother of Jessica Kucic Olenik and her husband, Ron; and grandmother to Nicholas Olenik. Rita was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Stephanie Kucic, whose memory she carried in her heart every day. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Robert Hrehocik (Tracy); and by her parents, Stephen and Helen (Gala) Hrehocik.

She is also survived by sister, Ruth Hrehocik; and sister-in-law, Tracy Hrehocik; and beloved family, nieces, and nephews.

Rita was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Coraopolis and spent a brief stint as a Novice before life had other plans for her. In 1967, Bill met Rita at a gathering of friends, and it was love at first sight for him. He went home that night and told his mother he had met the girl he was going to marry. Two weeks later while taking a drive in his Mustang, Bill asked Rita if they should get married now or save some money first. She laughed at him, but they were married two years later and would have been married 57 years this September. Together they built a life filled with love, devotion, friendship, laughter, and unwavering support. They were blessed with two daughters who grew up watching them and knowing what real love and true partnership was. To her daughters and their friends, she was simply "Mooey." She was present at every school event, every competition, every everything, cheering them on. Rita had a gift for making ordinary moments feel extra special, and she made Christmases magical. She loved the beach, reading on her porch, and spending time with family and her lifelong friends, "The Fab Five." Her husband and daughters considered her their best friend. How lucky were we?

Rita worked as a bookkeeper throughout her life, most recently at Zottola Steel, and had been involved in many volunteer organizations in the past, such as the Wilkins Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept. number one's Ladies Auxiliary, the Wilkins Twp. Recreation Board, and Century Club.

She told us recently, "I have had the most wonderful life." And we have too, because of her.

Special thanks to Jessica's work family at Suncrest Hospice for all the love and support, especially Bekah, Jeanne, and Melissa O. for taking such good care of her Mooey. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rita's name to Suncrest Hospice, 3000 Penn Center, Building three, Suite 120, Pgh., PA 15235, or to the Pittsburgh Melanoma Foundation, P.O. Box 46, Venetia, PA 15367 (melanomapgh.org), in memory of Stephanie.

All are welcome on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 2-8 p.m., at PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC., TURTLE CREEK/MONROEVILLE CHAPEL, 1111 Monroeville Ave., Turtle Creek, PA 15145, 412-823-9350, where a Blessing Service will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with Reverend Tara Fanton, M.Div., officiating.