Rita Jeanne DiCarlo – Chavez, 44, of Chelsea, MA, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2023, at her sister’s home in Somerville, MA surrounded by her family and loving husband after a long 10 year battle with Ovarian Cancer.

She was born on January 13, 1979, in Bellflower, California to the late Philip and Arlene DiCarlo. She was the 5th born of 7 children. Rita was a beloved wife, stepmother, sister and aunt. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In 2008, Rita met the love of her life, Oscar. They married in 2015 and just recently celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary. Oscar and Rita truly epitomized “in sickness and in health”. Their devotion to each other was unparalleled.

Rita’s greatest joy in life was Family Family Family! She cherished and adored children. She was an amazing aunt and had a special and unique bond with each one of her nieces and nephews.
Rita had a smile that would light up any room and her happiness filled everyone with love and joy.

What made Rita truly happy was being with her family. Whether it was driving around singing in her car or at the beach in Maine or Narragansett. She loved to hang around talk, laugh and play games, especially dominos and Uno. She knew how to have fun in any situation.

Rita is survived by her husband, Oscar Chavez, her furbaby Nala, stepson Elder Chavez and her cherished babies Fatima Arias and Charlene Rodriquez. Rita had a strong bond with her siblings Gail Federico and her husband Christopher, Lynn Mersereau and her husband Jimmy, Michele Cuellar and her husband Jaime, Lorie DiCarlo and Jason, Philip DiCarlo and his wife Amy, Alyson DiCarlo and Brigitte DiCarlo. She was also a beloved aunt to Nick Wazan and his wife Julie, Gabrielle West and her husband Justen, Jake Savaria, Ashlee, Jayden, and Jaime (Cheekies) Cuellar, Jacob Silva, Coco Federico, Lidia, Jaylin, Juan, Darvin, Jason and Lucas Tapia. Rita was a proud great aunt to Addison West and Henry Wazan. Rita had a special connection with her aunt and uncle, Beverly and David Hentoff, as well as with her cousins Jenna, Dana and Zach. Her brother and sisters-in-law Muncho Tapia and his wife Aracely Parrales, Maria Chavez and Elsa Quesada. In addition to many more loving family members and friends.

Rita was preceded in death by her mother Arlene DiCarlo (Berchuck), her father Philip DiCarlo and her beloved fur niece Jasmine Cuellar (Jazzy girl).

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Boston Cremation, located at 287 Main Street Malden, MA. Following the visitation church services will take place at the Iglesia Jesucristo la Unica Esperanza, located at 172 Washington Ave Chelsea, MA. Burial will be held privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Rita’s name to Ovarian Cancer Research, Contributions can be sent to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) at ocrahope.org.